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Pascual-Benito M, Jorba-Plassa A, Casas-Mangas R, Blanch AR, Martín-Díaz J. Comparison of methods for the enumeration of coliphages in 100 mL water samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156381. [PMID: 35660433 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade coliphages have been included in many water quality regulations as viral faecal indicators. However, the standardised methods used to detect and quantify coliphages differ in bacterial host strains, culture media and techniques. In this comparative study, 100 mL samples of mineral drinking water, river water and wastewater were analysed with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard methods, with United States-Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) based methods as well as commercial kits combining a single agar layer (SAL) assay with ISO bacterial host strains. The three methods gave similar counts (p-value>0.05) for somatic and total coliphages in the matrices with less than 100 PFU/100 mL, whereas for F-specific coliphages, the U.S. EPA method provided statistically significant lower numbers (p-value<0.05) than the other two protocols, possibly because it uses a different bacterial host strain (Escherichia coli HS (pFamp) R vs. the ISO strain Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium WG49). In samples with more than 100 PFU/100 mL, the ISO method yielded higher counts of somatic coliphages than the other two protocols (p-value<0.05). As the three methods provided similar results in clean water, the approach combining a SAL assay with the ISO bacterial host strain could be a useful option for coliphage analysis in this type of sample, as it does not require a concentration step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pascual-Benito
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Bluephage S.L., Gavà 4, 08820, El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Casas-Mangas
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Martín-Díaz
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Bluephage S.L., Gavà 4, 08820, El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Sagrillo C, Changey F, Bellanger X. Bacteriophages vehiculate a high amount of antibiotic resistance determinants of bacterial origin in the Orne River ecosystem. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4317-4328. [PMID: 35672875 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aquatic environments are important dissemination routes of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from and to pathogenic bacteria. Nevertheless, in these complex matrices, identifying and characterizing the driving microbial actors and ARG dissemination mechanisms they are involved in remain difficult. We here explored the distribution/compartmentalization of a panel of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacteria and bacteriophages collected in the water, suspended material and surface sediments from the Orne River ecosystem (France). By using a new bacteriophage DNA extraction method, we showed that, when packaging bacterial DNA, bacteriophages rather encapsidate both ARGs and MGEs than 16S rRNA genes, i.e. chromosomal fragments. We also show that the bacteria and bacteriophage capsid contents in ARGs/MGEs were similarly influenced by seasonality but that the distribution of ARGs/MGEs between the river physical compartments (water vs. suspended mater vs. sediment) is more impacted when these markers were carried by bacteria. These demonstrations will likely modify our understanding of the formation and fate of transducing viral particles in the environment. Consequently, they will also likely modify our estimations of the relative frequencies of the different horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in disseminating antibiotic resistance by reinforcing the roles played by environmental bacteriophages and transduction.
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3
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Coliphages as a Complementary Tool to Improve the Management of Urban Wastewater Treatments and Minimize Health Risks in Receiving Waters. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13081110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Even in countries with extensive sanitation systems, outbreaks of waterborne infectious diseases are being reported. Current tendencies, such as the growing concentration of populations in large urban conurbations, climate change, aging of existing infrastructures, and emerging pathogens, indicate that the management of water resources will become increasingly challenging in the near future. In this context, there is an urgent need to control the fate of fecal microorganisms in wastewater to avoid the negative health consequences of releasing treated effluents into surface waters (rivers, lakes, etc.) or marine coastal water. On the other hand, the measurement of bacterial indicators yields insufficient information to gauge the human health risk associated with viral infections. It would therefore seem advisable to include a viral indicator—for example, somatic coliphages—to monitor the functioning of wastewater treatments. As indicated in the studies reviewed herein, the concentrations of somatic coliphages in raw sewage remain consistently high throughout the year worldwide, as occurs with bacterial indicators. The removal process for bacterial indicators and coliphages in traditional sewage treatments is similar, the concentrations in secondary effluents remaining sufficiently high for enumeration, without the need for cumbersome and costly concentration procedures. Additionally, according to the available data on indicator behavior, which is still limited for sewers but abundant for surface waters, coliphages persist longer than bacterial indicators once outside the gut. Based on these data, coliphages can be recommended as indicators to assess the efficiency of wastewater management procedures with the aim of minimizing the health impact of urban wastewater release in surface waters.
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Bertrand I, Challant J, Jeulin H, Hartard C, Mathieu L, Lopez S, Schvoerer E, Courtois S, Gantzer C. Epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 by genome quantification in wastewater applied to a city in the northeast of France: Comparison of ultrafiltration- and protein precipitation-based methods. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113692. [PMID: 33592569 PMCID: PMC7847400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to develop a simple, sensitive, and specific approach to quantifying the SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewater and to evaluate this approach as a means of epidemiological surveillance. Twelve wastewater samples were collected from a metropolitan area in north-eastern France during April and May 2020. In addition to the quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, F-specific RNA phages of genogroup II (FRNAPH GGII), naturally present in wastewater, were used as an internal process control for the viral concentration and processing of RT-PCR inhibitors. A concentration method was required to allow the quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 genome over the longest possible period. A procedure combining ultrafiltration, phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol purification, and the additional purification of the RNA extracts was chosen for the quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in 100-mL wastewater samples. At the same time, the COVID-19 outbreak was evaluated through patients from the neighbouring University Hospital of Nancy, France. A regular decrease in the concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 genome from ~104 gc/L to ~102 gc/L of wastewater was observed over the eight weeks of the study, during which the population was placed under lockdown. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was even undetectable during one week in the second half of May and present but non-quantifiable in the last sample (28 May). A concordant circulation in the human community was highlighted by virological diagnosis using respiratory samples, which showed a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases from 677 to 52 per week over the same period. The environmental surveillance of COVID-19 using a reliable viral quantification procedure to test wastewater is a key approach. The real-time detection of viral genomes can allow us to predict and monitor the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical settings and survey the entire urban human population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Challant
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Hartard
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Laurence Mathieu
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France; EPHE, PSL, UMR CNRS 7564, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Séverine Lopez
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | | | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000, Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sophie Courtois
- SUEZ, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, F-78230, Le Pecq, France
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5
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Pascual-Benito M, Emiliano P, Casas-Mangas R, Dacal-Rodríguez C, Gracenea M, Araujo R, Valero F, García-Aljaro C, Lucena F. Assessment of dead-end ultrafiltration for the detection and quantification of microbial indicators and pathogens in the drinking water treatment processes. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 230:113628. [PMID: 33038613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A safe water supply requires distinct treatments and monitoring to guarantee the absence of pathogens and substances potentially hazardous for human health. In this study we assessed the efficiency of the dead-end ultrafiltration (DEUF) method to concentrate faecal indicator organisms (FIO) and pathogens in water samples with different physicochemical characteristics. Water samples were collected at the treatment stages of two drinking water treatment plants to analyse the concentration of a variety of 7 FIO and 4 reference microbes which have some species that are pathogenic to humans: Campylobacter spp., enteroviruses, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. The samples were analysed before and after concentration by DEUF, detecting FIO concentrations about 1 log10 higher in non-concentrated samples from both catchments. Percent recoveries were highly variable with a mean of 43.8 ± 17.5%, depending on the FIO and inherent sample characteristics. However, DEUF enabled FIO concentration in high volumes of water (100-500 l), allowing a reduction in the detection limit compared to the non-concentrated samples due to the high volume processing capabilities of the method. As a consequence, the detection of FIO removal from water in the drinking water treatment process was 1.0-1.5 logarithms greater in DEUF-treated water compared to unfiltered samples. The DEUF method improved the detection of target indicators and allowed for the detection of pathogens in low concentrations in water after the treatment stages, confirming the suitability of DEUF to concentrate high volumes of different types of water. This method could be useful for microbial analysis in water treatment monitoring and risk assessment, allowing the identification of critical points during the water treatment process and potential hazards in water destined for several uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pascual-Benito
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pere Emiliano
- Ens d'Abastament d'Aigua Ter Llobregat (ATL), Sant Martí de l'Erm, 30, 08970, Sant Joan Despí, Barcelona
| | - Raquel Casas-Mangas
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Dacal-Rodríguez
- The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gracenea
- The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Spain
| | - Rosa Araujo
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Valero
- Ens d'Abastament d'Aigua Ter Llobregat (ATL), Sant Martí de l'Erm, 30, 08970, Sant Joan Despí, Barcelona
| | - Cristina García-Aljaro
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Lucena
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Evaluation of the Effect of Gold Mining on the Water Quality in Monterrey, Bolívar (Colombia). WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12092523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gold mining uses chemicals that are discharged into rivers without any control when there are no good mining practices, generating environmental and public health problems, especially for downstream inhabitants who use the water for consumption, as is the case in Monterrey township, where the Boque River water is consumed. In this study, we evaluate Boque River water quality analyzing some physicochemical parameters such as pH, heavy metals, Hg, and cyanide; bioassays (Lactuca sativa, Hydra attenuata, and Daphnia magna), mutagenicity (Ames test), and microbiological assays. The results show that some physicochemical parameters exceed permitted concentrations (Hg, Cd, and cyanide). D. magna showed sensitivity and L. sativa showed inhibition and excessive growth in the analyzed water. Mutagenic values were obtained for all of the sample stations. The presence of bacteria and somatic coliphages in the water show a health risk to inhabitants. In conclusion, the presence of Cd, Hg, and cyanide in the waters for domestic consumption was evidenced in concentrations that can affect the environment and the health of the Monterrey inhabitants. The mutagenic index indicates the possibility of mutations in the population that consumes this type of water. Bioassays stand out as an alert system when concentrations of chemical contaminants cannot be analytically detected.
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7
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Martín-Díaz J, Lucena F, Blanch AR, Jofre J. Review: Indicator bacteriophages in sludge, biosolids, sediments and soils. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109133. [PMID: 32069755 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Solid or semisolid matrices polluted with fecal remnants can be highly loaded with pathogens, especially viruses, and play a substantial role in the persistence and dispersion of pathogens in the water cycle. Water quality regulations and guidelines are increasingly including bacteriophages infecting enteric bacteria as indicators of fecal and/or viral pollution. However, more data are needed about viral indicators in contaminated solids to develop effective sanitation strategies for the management of raw and treated sludge, fecal sludge, manures and slurries. Also, the exact role of sediments and soil in the transmission cycle of viral pathogens still needs to be determined. This review aims to provide an update on available data for concentrations of indicator bacteriophages in different solid matrices as well as their resistance to treatments and persistence in solids. The conclusion reached is that there is a need for improved and standardized methodologies for bacteriophage extraction, detection and enumeration in solids. Reports indicate that these contain higher levels of somatic coliphages in comparison with traditional bacterial indicators and F-specific RNA coliphages. Water body sediments and soil have been found to be notable reservoirs of somatic coliphages, which are more persistent in nature and resistant to sludge treatments than Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms and F-specific RNA coliphages. Thus, somatic coliphages show up as excellent complementary indicators for the prediction of pathogenic viruses in solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martín-Díaz
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francisco Lucena
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Jofre
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Bonadonna L, Briancesco R, Suffredini E, Coccia A, Della Libera S, Carducci A, Verani M, Federigi I, Iaconelli M, Bonanno Ferraro G, Mancini P, Veneri C, Ferretti E, Lucentini L, Gramaccioni L, La Rosa G. Enteric viruses, somatic coliphages and Vibrio species in marine bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110570. [PMID: 31542593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we assessed the occurrence and quantity of enteric viruses in bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy, in parallel with microbial faecal indicators, somatic coliphages and Vibrio spp. Enteric viruses (aichivirus, norovirus and enterovirus) were detected in 55% of bathing water samples, including samples with bacterial indicator concentrations compliant with the European bathing water Directive. Aichivirus was the most frequent and abundant virus. Adenovirus was detected only in non-bathing waters. Somatic coliphages were identified in 50% bathing water samples, 80% of which showed simultaneous presence of viruses. Vibrio species were ubiquitous, with 9 species identified, including potential pathogens (V. cholerae, V. parahaemoylticus and V. vulnificus). This is the first study showing the occurrence and high concentration of Aichivirus in bathing waters and provides original information, useful in view of a future revision of the European Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Briancesco
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Coccia
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Gramaccioni
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Fauvel B, Cauchie HM, Gantzer C, Ogorzaly L. Influence of physico-chemical characteristics of sediment on the in situ spatial distribution of F-specific RNA phages in the riverbed. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 95:5289377. [PMID: 30649274 PMCID: PMC6333113 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Riverbed sediment is commonly described as an enteric virus reservoir and thought to play an important role in water column contamination, especially during rainfall events. Although the occurrence and fate of faecal-derived viruses are fairly well characterized in water, little information is available on their presence as their interactions with sediment. This study aimed at determining the main environmental factors responsible for the presence of enteric viruses in riverbed sediment. Using a combination of microbiological and physico-chemical analyses of freshly field-sampled sediments, we demonstrated their contamination by faecal phages. The in situ spatial distribution of phages in sediment was mainly driven by sediment composition. A preferential phage accumulation occurred along one bank of the river, where the quantity of fine sands and clay particles smaller than 0.2 mm was the highest. Additionally, a mineralogical analysis revealed the influence of the heterogeneous presence of virus sorbents such as quartz, calcite, carbonates and iron-bearing phases (goethite) on the phage spatial pattern. A more precise knowledge of the composition of riverbed sediment is therefore useful for predicting preferential areas of enteric virus accumulation and should allow more accurate microbial risk assessment when using surface water for drinking water production or recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Fauvel
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG.,Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, 5 Rue Albert Lebrun BP 80403 54001 Nancy, FRANCE.,CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG
| | - Christophe Gantzer
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, 5 Rue Albert Lebrun BP 80403 54001 Nancy, FRANCE.,CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG
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10
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García-Aljaro C, Blanch AR, Campos C, Jofre J, Lucena F. Pathogens, faecal indicators and human-specific microbial source-tracking markers in sewage. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 126:701-717. [PMID: 30244503 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to assess the current state of knowledge of pathogens, general faecal indicators and human-specific microbial source tracking markers in sewage. Most of the microbes present in sewage are from the microbiota of the human gut, including pathogens. Bacteria and viruses are the most abundant groups of microbes in the human gut microbiota. Most reports on this topic show that raw sewage microbiological profiles reflect the human gut microbiota. Human and animal faeces share many commensal microbes as well as pathogens. Faecal-orally transmitted pathogens constitute a serious public health problem that can be minimized through sanitation. Assessing both the sanitation processes and the contribution of sewage to the faecal contamination of water bodies requires knowledge of the content of pathogens in sewage, microbes indicating general faecal contamination and microbes that are only present in human faecal remains, which are known as the human-specific microbial source-tracking (MST) markers. Detection of pathogens would be the ideal option for managing sanitation and determining the microbiological quality of waters contaminated by sewage; but at present, this is neither practical nor feasible in routine testing. Traditionally, faecal indicator bacteria have been used as surrogate indicators of general faecal residues. However, in many water management circumstances, it becomes necessary to detect both the origin of faecal contamination, for which MST is paramount, and live micro-organisms, for which molecular methods are not suitable. The presence and concentrations of pathogens, general faecal indicators and human-specific MST markers most frequently reported in different areas of the world are summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- C García-Aljaro
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A R Blanch
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Campos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - J Jofre
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Lucena
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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McMinn BR, Huff EM, Rhodes ER, Korajkic A. Concentration and quantification of somatic and F+ coliphages from recreational waters. J Virol Methods 2017; 249:58-65. [PMID: 28843788 PMCID: PMC6084438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Somatic and F+ coliphages are promising alternative fecal indicators, but current detection methods are hindered by lower levels of coliphages in surface waters compared to traditional bacterial fecal indicators. We evaluated the ability of dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF) and single agar layer (SAL) procedure to concentrate and enumerate coliphages from 1L and 10L volumes of ambient surface waters (lake, river, marine), river water with varying turbidities (3.74–118.7 NTU), and a simulated combined sewer overflow (CSO) event. Percentage recoveries for surface waters were 40–79% (somatic) and 35–94% (F + ). The method performed equally well in all three matrices at 1L volumes, but percent recoveries were significantly higher in marine waters at 10L volumes when compared to freshwater. Percent recoveries at 1L and 10L were similar, except in river water where recoveries were significantly lower at higher volume. In highly turbid waters, D-HFUF-SAL had a recovery range of 25–77% (somatic) and 21–80% (F + ). The method produced detectable levels of coliphages in diluted wastewater and in unspiked surface waters, emphasizing its applicability to CSO events and highlighting its utility in recovery of low coliphage densities from surface waters. Thus D-HFUF-SAL is a good candidate method for routine water quality monitoring of coliphages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, United States
| | - Emma M Huff
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, United States
| | - Eric R Rhodes
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, United States
| | - Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, United States.
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McMinn BR, Ashbolt NJ, Korajkic A. Bacteriophages as indicators of faecal pollution and enteric virus removal. Lett Appl Microbiol 2017; 65:11-26. [PMID: 28304098 PMCID: PMC6089083 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are an attractive alternative to faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), particularly as surrogates of enteric virus fate and transport, due to their closer morphological and biological properties. Based on a review of published data, we summarize densities of coliphages (F+ and somatic), Bacteroides spp. and enterococci bacteriophages (phages) in individual human waste, raw wastewater, ambient fresh and marine waters and removal through wastewater treatment processes utilizing traditional treatments. We also provide comparisons with FIB and enteric viruses whenever possible. Lastly, we examine fate and transport characteristics in the aquatic environment and provide an overview of the environmental factors affecting their survival. In summary, concentrations of bacteriophages in various sources were consistently lower than FIB, but more reflective of infectious enteric virus levels. Overall, our investigation indicates that bacteriophages may be adequate viral surrogates, especially in built systems, such as wastewater treatment plants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Bacteriophage are alternative fecal indicators that may be better surrogates for viral pathogens than fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). This report offers a summary of the existing literature concerning the utility of bacteriophage as indicators of viral presence (fecal sources and surface waters) and persistence (in built infrastructure and aquatic environments). Our findings indicate that bacteriophage levels in all matrices examined are consistently lower than FIB, but similar to viral pathogens. Furthermore, in built infrastructure (e.g. wastewater treatment systems) bacteriophage closely mimic viral pathogen persistence suggesting they may be adequate sentinels of enteric virus removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Nicholas J. Ashbolt
- University of Alberta, School of Public Health, 3-57D South Academic Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
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Ahmed S, Olsen JE, Herrero-Fresno A. The genetic diversity of commensal Escherichia coli strains isolated from non-antimicrobial treated pigs varies according to age group. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178623. [PMID: 28558003 PMCID: PMC5448805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first report on the genetic diversity of commensal E. coli from pigs reared in an antibiotic free production system and belonging to different age groups. The study investigated the genetic diversity and relationship of 900 randomly collected commensal E. coli strains from non-antimicrobial treated pigs assigned to five different age groups in a Danish farm. Fifty-two unique REP profiles were detected suggesting a high degree of diversity. The number of strains per pig ranged from two to 13. The highest and the lowest degree of diversity were found in the early weaners group (Shannon diversity index, H' of 2.22) and piglets (H' of 1.46) respectively. The REP profiles, R1, R7 and R28, were the most frequently observed in all age groups. E. coli strains representing each REP profile and additional strains associated with the dominant profiles were subjected to PFGE and were assigned to 67 different genotypes. Whole genome sequence analysis of 52 isolates leading to unique REP profiles identified a high level of sequence variation. Six and six strains were assigned to sequence type ST10 and sequence type ST58, respectively. Virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, as well as, genes associated with mobile genetic elements were commonly found among these commensal E. coli strains. Interestingly, strains yielding the three most common REP profiles clustered together in the SNPs phylogenetic tree, and such strains may represent the archetypal commensal E. coli in Danish pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahana Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - John E. Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ana Herrero-Fresno
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Fauvel B, Gantzer C, Cauchie HM, Ogorzaly L. In Situ Dynamics of F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages in a Small River: New Way to Assess Viral Propagation in Water Quality Studies. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2017; 9:89-102. [PMID: 27771874 PMCID: PMC5309317 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9266-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and propagation of enteric viruses in rivers constitute a major public health issue. However, little information is available on the in situ transport and spread of viruses in surface water. In this study, an original in situ experimental approach using the residence time of the river water mass was developed to accurately follow the propagation of F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPHs) along a 3-km studied river. Surface water and sediment of 9 sampling campaigns were collected and analyzed using both infectivity and RT-qPCR assays. In parallel, some physico-chemical variables such as flow rate, water temperature, conductivity and total suspended solids were measured to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on phage propagation. For campaigns with low flow rate and high temperature, the results highlight a decrease of infectious phage concentration along the river, which was successfully modelled according to a first-order negative exponential decay. The monitoring of infectious FRNAPHs belonging mainly to the genogroup II was confirmed with direct phage genotyping and total phage particle quantification. Reported k decay coefficients according to exponential models allowed for the determination of the actual in situ distance and time necessary for removing 90 % of infectious phage particles. This present work provides a new way to assess the true in situ viral propagation along a small river. These findings can be highly useful in water quality and risk assessment studies to determine the viral contamination spread from a point contamination source to the nearest recreational areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Fauvel
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, 4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lorraine, 5 rue Albert Lebrun, Nancy, 54000, France
- CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Christophe Gantzer
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lorraine, 5 rue Albert Lebrun, Nancy, 54000, France
- CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, 4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, 4422, Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Relevance of F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages in Assessing Human Norovirus Risk in Shellfish and Environmental Waters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5709-19. [PMID: 27422833 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01528-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the main cause of shellfish-borne gastroenteritis outbreaks. In the absence of routine technical approaches allowing infectious particles to be detected, this viral pathogen is currently targeted by genome research, leading to difficult interpretations. In this study, we investigated the potential of F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) as fecal and viral contamination indicators in shellfish and water from a local harvesting area. FRNAPH were also used as microbial source tracking tools. Constraints imposed by detection limits are illustrated here by the detection of infectious FRNAPH in several samples in the absence of FRNAPH genomes. The opposite situation was also observed, likely explained by the persistence of the genomes being greater than infectivity. Similar considerations may be applied to HuNoVs, suggesting that HuNoV genome targeting is of limited relevance in assessing infectious risks. While FRNAPH did not provide any benefits compared to Escherichia coli as fecal pollution indicators in water, novel observations were made in shellfish: contrary to E. coli, a seasonal trend of infectious FRNAPH concentrations was observed. These concentrations were higher than those found in water, confirming bioaccumulation in shellfish. This study also underlines a relationship between the presence of HuNoV genomes and those of human-specific FRNAPH subgroup II (FRNAPH-II) in shellfish collected throughout Europe. Further research should be undertaken to evaluate FRNAPH potential as an indicator of the presence of infectious HuNoVs. To this end, shellfish involved in HuNoV-caused gastroenteritis outbreaks should be analyzed for the presence of infectious FRNAPH-II. IMPORTANCE This work provides new data about the use of F-specific RNA phages (FRNAPH) as a tool for evaluating fecal or viral contamination, especially in shellfish. In our case study, FRNAPH did not provide any benefits compared to E. coli as fecal pollution indicators in water but were found to be very useful in shellfish. Their concentrations in shellfish were higher than those found in the surrounding water, confirming bioaccumulation. This study also underlines a relationship between the presence of human norovirus genomes (HuNoVs) and those of FRNAPH subgroup II (FRNAPH-II). Considering that the two virus types have similar behaviors and since FRNAPH infectivity can be investigated, the specific detection of infectious FRNAPH-II could be regarded as an indication of the presence of infectious HuNoVs. The contribution of infectious human FRNAPH targeting for assessing the viral risk associated with HuNoVs in shellfish should thus be investigated.
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Coliphages as Model Organisms in the Characterization and Management of Water Resources. WATER 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/w8050199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fauvel B, Cauchie HM, Gantzer C, Ogorzaly L. Contribution of hydrological data to the understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of F-specific RNA bacteriophages in river water during rainfall-runoff events. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 94:328-340. [PMID: 26971808 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Heavy rainfall events were previously reported to bring large amounts of microorganisms in surface water, including viruses. However, little information is available on the origin and transport of viral particles in water during such rain events. In this study, an integrative approach combining microbiological and hydrological measurements was investigated to appreciate the dynamics and origins of F-specific RNA bacteriophage fluxes during two distinct rainfall-runoff events. A high frequency sampling (automatic sampler) was set up to monitor the F-specific RNA bacteriophages fluxes at a fine temporal scale during the whole course of the rainfall-runoff events. A total of 276 rainfall-runoff samples were collected and analysed using both infectivity and RT-qPCR assays. The results highlight an increase of 2.5 log10 and 1.8 log10 of infectious F-specific RNA bacteriophage fluxes in parallel of an increase of the water flow levels for both events. Faecal pollution was characterised as being mainly from anthropic origin with a significant flux of phage particles belonging to the genogroup II. At the temporal scale, two successive distinct waves of phage pollution were established and identified through the hydrological measurements. The first arrival of phages in the water column was likely to be linked to the resuspension of riverbed sediments that was responsible for a high input of genogroup II. Surface runoff contributed further to the second input of phages, and more particularly of genogroup I. In addition, an important contribution of infectious phage particles has been highlighted. These findings imply the existence of a close relationship between the risk for human health and the viral contamination of flood water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Fauvel
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg; Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, Nancy F-54000, France; CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Christophe Gantzer
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire de Chimie, Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Faculté de Pharmacie, Nancy F-54000, France; CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Nancy F-54000, France
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Venegas C, Diez H, Blanch AR, Jofre J, Campos C. Microbial source markers assessment in the Bogotá River basin (Colombia). JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2015; 13:801-10. [PMID: 26322765 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2015.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The microbiological indicators traditionally used to assess fecal contamination are insufficient to identify the source. The aim of this study was to detect microbial markers to identify the source of fecal pollution in the Bogotá River (Colombia). For this, we determined non-discriminating indicators such as Escherichia coli, somatic coliphages and phages infecting strain RYC2056 of Bacteroides, and potential source tracking markers as phages infecting strains GA17, HB13, and CA8 of Bacteroides, sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria, and molecular markers of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifiodobacterium dentium, and Bacteroidetes in raw municipal wastewaters, slaughterhouse wastewaters, and the Bogotá River. Bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides strain GA17 and the molecular markers identified the wastewater sources. In contrast, sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria failed regarding specificity. In the Bogotá River, phages infecting strain GA17 were detected in all samples downstream of Bogotá, whereas they should be concentrated from 1 l samples in upstream samples containing less than 10(3) E. coli/100 ml to be detected. In the river water, the fraction of positive detections of molecular markers was lower than that of phages infecting strain GA17. The ratio SOMCPH/GA17PH was shown also to be a good marker. These results provide information that will allow focusing measures for sanitation of the Bogotá River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Venegas
- Department of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá, Colombia E-mail:
| | - Hugo Diez
- Department of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá, Colombia E-mail:
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Jofre
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudia Campos
- Department of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá, Colombia E-mail:
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Occurrence of and Sequence Variation among F-Specific RNA Bacteriophage Subgroups in Feces and Wastewater of Urban and Animal Origins. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:6505-15. [PMID: 26162878 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01905-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) have been widely studied as tools for evaluating fecal or viral pollution in water. It has also been proposed that they can be used to differentiate human from animal fecal contamination. While FRNAPH subgroup I (FRNAPH-I) and FRNAPH-IV are often associated with animal pollution, FRNAPH-II and -III prevail in human wastewater. However, this distribution is not absolute, and variable survival rates in these subgroups lead to misinterpretation of the original distribution. In this context, we studied FRNAPH distribution in urban wastewater and animal feces/wastewater. To increase the specificity, we partially sequenced the genomes of phages of urban and animal origins. The persistence of the genomes and infectivity were also studied, over time in wastewater and during treatment, for each subgroup. FRNAPH-I genome sequences did not show any specific urban or animal clusters to allow development of molecular tools for differentiation. They were the most resistant and as such may be used as fecal or viral indicators. FRNAPH-II's low prevalence and low sequence variability in animal stools, combined with specific clusters formed by urban strains, allowed differentiation between urban and animal pollution by using a specific reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) method. The subgroup's resistance over time was comparable to that of FRNAPH-I, but its surface properties allowed higher elimination rates during activated-sludge treatment. FRNAPH-III's low sequence variability in animal wastewater and specific cluster formation by urban strains also allowed differentiation by using a specific RT-PCR method. Nevertheless, its low resistance restricted it to being used only for recent urban pollution detection. FRNAPH-IV was too rare to be used.
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Haramoto E, Fujino S, Otagiri M. Distinct behaviors of infectious F-specific RNA coliphage genogroups at a wastewater treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 520:32-8. [PMID: 25791054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the differences in the behaviors of four F-specific RNA (F-RNA) coliphage genogroups (GI-GIV) during wastewater treatment. Raw sewage, aeration tank effluent, secondary-treated sewage, and return activated sludge were collected from a wastewater treatment plant in Japan at monthly intervals between March and December 2011 (n=10 each). F-specific coliphages were detected by plaque assay in all tested samples, with a concentration ranging from -0.10 to 3.66 log10 plaque-forming units/ml. Subsequently, eight plaques were isolated from each sample, followed by genogroup-specific reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (qPCR) for F-RNA coliphages and qPCR for F-specific DNA (F-DNA) coliphages. GI F-RNA coliphages were the most abundant in the secondary-treated sewage samples (73% of the plaque isolates), while GII F-RNA coliphages were the most abundant in the other three sample types (41-81%, depending on sample type). Based on the results of the quantification and genotyping, the annual mean concentrations of each F-specific coliphage type were calculated, and their reduction ratios during wastewater treatment were compared with those of indicator bacteria (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) and enteric viruses (human adenoviruses and GI and GII noroviruses). The mean reduction ratio of GI F-RNA coliphages was the lowest (0.93 log10), followed by those of the indicator bacteria and enteric viruses (1.59-2.43 log10), GII-GIV F-RNA coliphages (>2.60-3.21 log10), and F-DNA coliphages (>3.41 log10). These results suggest that GI F-RNA coliphages may be used as an appropriate indicator of virus reduction during wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Haramoto
- International Research Center for River Basin Environment, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
| | - Saki Fujino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Mikie Otagiri
- International Research Center for River Basin Environment, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
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Sirikanchana K, Wangkahad B, Mongkolsuk S. The capability of non-native strains of Bacteroides bacteria to detect bacteriophages as faecal indicators in a tropical area. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 117:1820-9. [PMID: 25207866 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the use of nonlocal, already-available strains of phages to indicate faecal contamination in Thailand waters. METHODS AND RESULTS Phages of Bacteroides fragilis strains ATCC 700786 (RYC2056PH) and ATCC 51477 (HSP40PH) were measured in 71 human and animal wastewater samples in Thailand using a double-layer agar assay. Bacteriophage RYC2056PH was detected at concentrations comparable to representative human and animal wastewater samples from European and Mediterranean countries, with 61·7 and 33·3% above the threshold value of 100 PFU 100 ml(-1) in wastewater samples of human and animal origins, respectively. On the other hand, HSP40PH was detected at low concentrations in both human- and animal-polluted wastewaters. Moreover, RYC2056PH was found in 12 canal waters with human-influenced pollution and was not detected in 6 nonpolluted river waters being tested in this study. CONCLUSIONS The presence of RYC2056PH could indicate nonsource-specific faecal contamination in Thailand. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study provided the first evidence that bacteriophages of the European-isolated B. fragilis strain RYC2056 could be used as nonsource-specific faecal indicators in the Southeast Asian region. The results of this study support the worldwide use of Bacteroides phages as faecal indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sirikanchana
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, CHE, Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand
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Devane ML, Moriarty EM, Wood D, Webster-Brown J, Gilpin BJ. The impact of major earthquakes and subsequent sewage discharges on the microbial quality of water and sediments in an urban river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 485-486:666-680. [PMID: 24747258 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A series of large earthquakes struck the city of Christchurch, New Zealand in 2010-2011. Major damage sustained by the sewerage infrastructure required direct discharge of up to 38,000 m(3)/day of raw sewage into the Avon River of Christchurch for approximately six months. This allowed evaluation of the relationship between concentrations of indicator microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and F-RNA phage) and pathogens (Campylobacter, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) in recreational water and sediment both during and post-cessation of sewage discharges. Giardia was the pathogen found most frequently in river water and sediment, although Campylobacter was found at higher levels in water samples. E. coli levels in water above 550 CFU/100 mL were associated with increased likelihood of detection of Campylobacter, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, supporting the use of E. coli as a reliable indicator for public health risk. The strength of the correlation of microbial indicators with pathogen detection in water decreased in the following order: E. coli>F-RNA phage>C. perfringens. All the microorganisms assayed in this study could be recovered from sediments. C. perfringens was observed to accumulate in sediments, which may have confounded its usefulness as an indicator of fresh sewage discharge. F-RNA phage, however, did not appear to accumulate in sediment and in conjunction with E. coli, may have potential as an indicator of recent human sewage discharge in freshwater. There is evidence to support the low-level persistence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, but not Campylobacter, in river sediments after cessation of sewage discharges. In the event of disturbances of the sediment, it is highly probable that there could be re-mobilisation of microorganisms beyond the sediment-water exchange processes occurring under base flow conditions. Re-suspension events do, therefore, increase the potential risk to human health for those who participate in recreational and work-related activities in the river environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand; Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Elaine M Moriarty
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Webster-Brown
- Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Brent J Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Jofre J, Blanch AR, Lucena F, Muniesa M. Bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides as a marker for microbial source tracking. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 55:1-11. [PMID: 24583570 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting certain strains of Bacteroides are amid the numerous procedures proposed for tracking the source of faecal pollution. These bacteriophages fulfil reasonably well most of the requirements identified as appropriate for a suitable marker of faecal sources. Thus, different host strains are available that detect bacteriophages preferably in water contaminated with faecal wastes corresponding to different animal species. For phages found preferably in human faecal wastes, which are the ones that have been more extensively studied, the amounts of phages found in waters contaminated with human fecal samples is reasonably high; these amounts are invariable through the time; their resistance to natural and anthropogenic stressors is comparable to that of other relatively resistant indicator of faecal pollution such us coliphages; the abundance ratios of somatic coliphages and bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron GA17 are unvarying in recent and aged contamination; and standardised detection methods exist. These methods are easy, cost effective and provide data susceptible of numerical analysis. In contrast, there are some uncertainties regarding their geographical stability, and consequently suitable hosts need to be isolated for different geographical areas. However, a feasible method has been described to isolate suitable hosts in a given geographical area. In summary, phages infecting Bacteroides are a marker of faecal sources that in our opinion merits being included in the "toolbox" for microbial source tracking. However, further research is still needed in order to make clear some uncertainties regarding some of their characteristics and behaviour, to compare their suitability to the one of emerging methods such us targeting Bacteroidetes by qPCR assays; or settling molecular methods for their determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Jofre
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Lucena
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Muniesa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Abreu Acosta N, Rodríguez Gómez LE, Alvarez Díaz M. Effect of oxygen injection in a reclaimed wastewater pipeline on the microbiological quality of water. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2012; 33:497-505. [PMID: 22629622 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2011.581312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this work the influence of oxygen injection on the inactivation of microbiological indicators during reclaimed wastewater transportation was studied. Experiments were carried out in a completely filled gravity pipe (62 km long), at two different periods of the year and with three different oxygen doses (7, 15 and 30 mg L(-1)). Microbiological parameters studied were faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and somatic coliphages. As a consequence of the oxygen injection, a significant inactivation of the microbiological parameters was observed during the aerobic stretch of the pipe. Later, once the oxygen had been consumed, inactivation stopped and even a slight regrowth of the microbial population took place. Inactivations were within the range of 0.6-1.0 log10 units, in most cases. No significant differences between inactivations for the different microbiological parameters were found, except for the somatic coliphages. A relationship between the inactivation degree and oxygen dose and organic matter content was observed. The biofilm played an important role in the inactivation process. The injection of oxygen contributes to improving the microbiological quality of reclaimed wastewater during its transport by pipelines, helping to diminish the subsequent on-site disinfection requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abreu Acosta
- INFULAB S.L. Mencey Romén 7, 38530, Candelaria, Tenerife, Spain
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Marusov G, Sweatt A, Pietrosimone K, Benson D, Geary SJ, Silbart LK, Challa S, Lagoy J, Lawrence DA, Lynes MA. A microarray biosensor for multiplexed detection of microbes using grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:348-59. [PMID: 22029256 PMCID: PMC3312245 DOI: 10.1021/es201239f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging (GCSPRI) utilizes an optical diffraction grating embossed on a gold-coated sensor chip to couple collimated incident light into surface plasmons. The angle at which this coupling occurs is sensitive to the capture of analyte at the chip surface. This approach permits the use of disposable biosensor chips that can be mass-produced at low cost and spotted in microarray format to greatly increase multiplexing capabilities. The current GCSPRI instrument has the capacity to simultaneously measure binding at over 1000 unique, discrete regions of interest (ROIs) by utilizing a compact microarray of antibodies or other specific capture molecules immobilized on the sensor chip. In this report, we describe the use of GCSPRI to directly detect multiple analytes over a large dynamic range, including soluble protein toxins, bacterial cells, and viruses, in near real-time. GCSPRI was used to detect a variety of agents that would be useful for diagnostic and environmental sensing purposes, including macromolecular antigens, a nontoxic form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ntPE), Bacillus globigii, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and M13 bacteriophage. These studies indicate that GCSPRI can be used to simultaneously assess the presence of toxins and pathogens, as well as quantify specific antibodies to environmental agents, in a rapid, label-free, and highly multiplexed assay requiring nanoliter amounts of capture reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Marusov
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Andrew Sweatt
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Kathryn Pietrosimone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - David Benson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Steven J. Geary
- Department of Pathobiology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
- The Center of Excellence For Vaccine Research, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Lawrence K. Silbart
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
- The Center of Excellence For Vaccine Research, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Sreerupa Challa
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
- The Center of Excellence For Vaccine Research, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | - Jacqueline Lagoy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
| | | | - Michael A. Lynes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
- The Center of Excellence For Vaccine Research, The University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3125
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Diversity of somatic coliphages in coastal regions with different levels of anthropogenic activity in São Paulo State, Brazil. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:4208-16. [PMID: 21531842 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02780-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most abundant and genetically diverse viruses on Earth, with complex ecology in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Somatic coliphages (SC) have been reported to be good indicators of fecal pollution in seawater. This study focused on determining the concentration of SC and their diversity by electron microscopy of seawater, plankton, and bivalve samples collected at three coastal regions in São Paulo, Brazil. The SC counts varied from <1 to 3.4 × 10(3) PFU/100 ml in seawater (73 samples tested), from <1 to 4.7 × 10(2) PFU/g in plankton (46 samples tested), and from <1 to 2.2 × 10(1) PFU/g in bivalves (11 samples tested). In seawater samples, a relationship between the thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli and SC was observed at the three regions (P = 0.0001) according to the anthropogenic activities present at each region. However, SC were found in plankton samples from three regions: Baixada Santista (17/20), Canal de São Sebastião (6/14), and Ubatuba (3/12). In seawater samples collected from Baixada Santista, four morphotypes were observed: A1 (4.5%), B1 (50%), C1 (36.4%), and D1 (9.1%). One coliphage, Siphoviridae type T1, had the longest tail: between 939 and 995 nm. In plankton samples, Siphoviridae (65.8%), Podoviridae (15.8%), Microviridae (15.8%), and Myoviridae (2.6%) were found. In bivalves, only the morphotype B1 was observed. These SC were associated with enteric hosts: enterobacteria, E. coli, Proteus, Salmonella, and Yersinia. Baixada Santista is an area containing a high level of fecal pollution compared to those in the Canal de São Sebastião and Ubatuba. This is the first report of coliphage diversity in seawater, plankton, and bivalve samples collected from São Paulo coastal regions. A better characterization of SC diversity in coastal environments will help with the management and evaluation of the microbiological risks for recreation, seafood cultivation, and consumption.
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Jofre J, Blanch AR. Feasibility of methods based on nucleic acid amplification techniques to fulfil the requirements for microbiological analysis of water quality. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 109:1853-67. [PMID: 20722877 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2010.04830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular methods based on nucleic acid recognition and amplification are valuable tools to complement and support water management decisions. At present, these decisions are mostly supported by the principle of end-point monitoring for indicators and a small number of selected measured by traditional methods. Nucleic acid methods show enormous potential for identifying isolates from conventional culture methods, providing data on cultivable and noncultivable micro-organisms, informing on the presence of pathogens in waters, determining the causes of waterborne outbreaks, and, in some cases, detecting emerging pathogens. However, some features of water microbiology affect the performance of nucleic acid-based molecular techniques and thus challenge their suitability for routine water quality control. These features include the variable composition of target water samples, the generally low numbers of target micro-organisms, the variable water quality required for different uses and the physiological status or condition of such micro-organisms. The standardization of these molecular techniques is also an important challenge for its routine use in terms of accuracy (trueness and precision) and robustness (reproducibility and reliability during normal usage). Most of national and international water regulations recommend the application of standard methods, and any new technique must be validated respect to established methods and procedures. Moreover, molecular methods show a high cost-effectiveness value that limits its practicability on some microbial water analyses. However, new molecular techniques could contribute with new information or at least to supplement the limitation of traditional culture-based methods. Undoubtedly, challenges for these nucleic acid-based methods need to be identified and solved to improve their feasibility for routine microbial water monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jofre
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Love DC, Lovelace GL, Money ES, Sobsey MD. Microbial Fecal Indicator Concentrations in Water and Their Correlation to Environmental Parameters in Nine Geographically Diverse Estuaries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12403-010-0026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Yen-Phi VT, Rechenburg A, Vinneras B, Clemens J, Kistemann T. Pathogens in septage in Vietnam. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:2050-3. [PMID: 20138647 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Septage is widely acknowledged as a major source of infectious pathogens while disposal of septage, and the operation and maintenance of septic tanks, is not regulated in many developing countries. Twenty untreated septage and septage sludge samples were taken from Can Tho City, Vietnam to examine their pathogen content, and indicator micro-organisms. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. were detected in all samples, regardless of sludge storage time. Phages were detected in 80% of samples. Salmonella spp. were detected in 70% of the untreated septage and 60% of septage sludge samples. Concentrations of phages and bacteria tested in septage sludge after many years of tank storage were much higher than the expected levels. Helminth ova were present in 95% of untreated septage samples with an average of 450 oval(-1), and were detected in all septage sludge samples with an average of 16,000 oval(-1). Twelve varieties of helminth ova were identified. More helminth ova varieties in higher concentrations were found in septage than those reported from stool samples. The varieties' frequency ranged from 10% to 50% and Ascaris lumbricoides predominated. Results show that pathogens and indicator micro-organisms, especially helminth ova, accumulate in sludge. Thus helminth ova should be considered when septage sludge is treated and used for agriculture. Proper health protection measures must be applied for people handling septage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vo Thi Yen-Phi
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany.
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Rooks DJ, Yan Y, McDonald JE, Woodward MJ, McCarthy AJ, Allison HE. Development and validation of a qPCR-based method for quantifying Shiga toxin-encoding and other lambdoid bacteriophages. Environ Microbiol 2010; 12:1194-204. [PMID: 20148931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02162.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To address whether seasonal variability exists among Shiga toxin-encoding bacteriophage (Stx phage) numbers on a cattle farm, conventional plaque assay was performed on water samples collected over a 17 month period. Distinct seasonal variation in bacteriophage numbers was evident, peaking between June and August. Removal of cattle from the pasture precipitated a reduction in bacteriophage numbers, and during the winter months, no bacteriophage infecting Escherichia coli were detected, a surprising occurrence considering that 10(31) tailed-bacteriophages are estimated to populate the globe. To address this discrepancy a culture-independent method based on quantitative PCR was developed. Primers targeting the Q gene and stx genes were designed that accurately and discriminately quantified artificial mixed lambdoid bacteriophage populations. Application of these primer sets to water samples possessing no detectable phages by plaque assay, demonstrated that the number of lambdoid bacteriophage ranged from 4.7 x 10(4) to 6.5 x 10(6) ml(-1), with one in 10(3) free lambdoid bacteriophages carrying a Shiga toxin operon (stx). Specific molecular biological tools and discriminatory gene targets have enabled virus populations in the natural environment to be enumerated and similar strategies could replace existing propagation-dependent techniques, which grossly underestimate the abundance of viral entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Rooks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Skraber S, Ogorzaly L, Helmi K, Maul A, Hoffmann L, Cauchie HM, Gantzer C. Occurrence and persistence of enteroviruses, noroviruses and F-specific RNA phages in natural wastewater biofilms. WATER RESEARCH 2009; 43:4780-9. [PMID: 19616820 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 04/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Enteroviruses and noroviruses are pathogenic viruses excreted by infected individuals. Discharged in wastewaters, some of these viruses can be captured by biofilms. In the present study, we assessed the occurrence and persistence of these viruses in wastewaters and in corresponding biofilms. Natural wastewaters and biofilms were analyzed monthly from January to July using real-time RT-PCR. Enterovirus RNA was detected in wastewater in June while norovirus RNA was detected from January to March. In contrast, biofilm analysis revealed the presence of both enterovirus and norovirus genomes throughout the study period. For instance, enterovirus and norovirus genogroups (GG) I and II were detected in 50, 46 and 37% of the biofilm samples, respectively (n=24). In a laboratory experiment, persistence of norovirus GGI RNA (quantified using molecular techniques) and F-specific bacteriophages (quantified using both culture and molecular techniques) was assessed in wastewater and corresponding naturally-contaminated biofilms at both 4 and 20 degrees C. The concentrations of viral genomes (norovirus GGI and F-specific RNA phage) were very stable in biofilms. Indeed, no significant decrease was observed during the persistence experiment that lasted 49 days. Furthermore, regardless of our experimental conditions, viral genome and infectious F-specific bacteriophages persisted longer in biofilm than in wastewater. According to our results, wastewater biofilms may contribute to the persistence and dispersal of pathogenic viruses outside of epidemic periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Skraber
- Centre de Recherche Public - Gabriel Lippmann, Department of Environment and Agro-biotechnologies (EVA), 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Costán-Longares A, Mocé-Llivina L, Avellón A, Jofre J, Lucena F. Occurrence and distribution of culturable enteroviruses in wastewater and surface waters of north-eastern Spain. J Appl Microbiol 2009; 105:1945-55. [PMID: 19120641 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03954.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Update information regarding occurrence and levels of culturable enteroviruses in several types of surface polluted waters in north-eastern Spain and determine the proportion of the different species and serotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS The best procedures on hand in our laboratory for concentrating and quantifying culturable enteroviruses from different water sample types were used. Sequencing was used for typing the virus isolates. Geometric means of enteroviruses densities expressed in plaque forming units per litre were 968 in raw sewage, 12.51 in secondary effluents, 0.017 in tertiary effluents, 0.4 in river water and 0.36 in seawater. Enterovirus densities in wastewater revealed certain seasonality with a maximum at the end of spring - beginning of the summer. Coxsackievirus B, and amid them serotype CB4, were the most abundant species and serotypes detected. CONCLUSIONS Densities of enteroviruses in different north-eastern Spain surface waters are similar to those present in industrialized countries with temperate climate. No wild polioviruses were detected. Distribution of species showed a clear prevalence of coxsackieviruses. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Information regarding enteroviruses in this geographical area provides valuable information to estimate the risk of enteroviruses transmission through water and for complementing clinical epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Costán-Longares
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Haramoto E, Kitajima M, Katayama H, Asami M, Akiba M, Kunikane S. Application of real-time PCR assays to genotyping of F-specific phages in river water and sediments in Japan. WATER RESEARCH 2009; 43:3759-64. [PMID: 19555992 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Revised: 05/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/31/2009] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Genotyping of F-specific RNA phages is currently one of the most promising approaches to differentiate between human and animal fecal contamination in aquatic environments. In this study, a total of 18 river water and sediment samples were collected from the Tonegawa River basin, Japan, in order to describe the genogroup distribution of F-specific RNA and DNA phages using genogroup-specific real-time PCR assays. F-specific phages were detected in nine (100%) river water and six (67%) sediment samples. Eighty-five phage plaques were isolated from these samples and subjected to real-time PCR assays specific for the phages. F-specific RNA phages of human genogroups (II and III) were detected in 32 (38%) plaques, whereas those of animal genogroups (I and IV) were detected in 17 (20%) plaques. No correlation was observed between the genogroup distribution of F-specific RNA phages and the occurrence of human adenovirus genomes, suggesting that genotyping of the phages alone is inadequate for the evaluation of the occurrence of viruses in aquatic environments. SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay revealed the presence of F-specific DNA phages in four (5%) plaques, which were further classified into two genogroups (fd- and f1-like phages) by sequence analysis. Thirty-two (38%) plaques were not classified as the F-specific phage genogroups, indicating the limited applicability of these real-time PCR assays to a wide range of aquatic environmental samples worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
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Jofre J. Is the replication of somatic coliphages in water environments significant? J Appl Microbiol 2009; 106:1059-69. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03957.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ogorzaly L, Tissier A, Bertrand I, Maul A, Gantzer C. Relationship between F-specific RNA phage genogroups, faecal pollution indicators and human adenoviruses in river water. WATER RESEARCH 2009; 43:1257-64. [PMID: 19121532 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the increasing interest of F-specific RNA phage genotyping to identify major sources of faecal contamination in waters. This study, conducted in a river located in an urbanized watershed with recognized anthropogenic influences, was aimed at evaluating the relevance of direct phage genotyping by real-time RT-PCR. One hundred percent of positive results were obtained with a 5 mL aliquot of river water (n=31). Phage distribution was modified after cultivation, since the ratio of the two most abundant genogroups (II and I) reached 1.51 log(10) by direct RT-PCR-based method versus 0.30 log(10) after cultivation (n=8). For the first time, positive correlations between the concentrations of genogroup II, bacterial indicators and human adenoviruses were observed, which may indicate a human faecal pollution. No correlation between genogroups II and I has been revealed. The concentration of genogroup I was only correlated with water turbidity, suggesting an animal pollution coming from upstream after rainfall events. Among the microbiological parameters studied, only genogroup II/genogroup I ratio shows variations occurring in the major sources of faecal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Ogorzaly
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for the Environment (LCPME), UMR 7564 CNRS Nancy Université, Faculté de Pharmacie, 5 rue Albert Lebrun, 54000 Nancy, France
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Muniesa M, Jofre J. The contribution of induction of temperate phages to the numbers of free somatic coliphages in waters is not significant. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2007; 270:272-6. [PMID: 17343678 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2007.00676.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic coliphages have been proposed as indicators of water quality. But several factors have been considered a drawback for their use as indicators. We evaluated the contribution of temperate phages to the numbers of somatic coliphages detected in water by ISO (International Standards Organization) standardised methods. Prophage induction from naturally occurring bacteria was assayed with mitomycin C, ciprofloxacin and UV irradiation. Results indicate that the presence of prophages will not influence the determinations of somatic coliphages in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Muniesa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Muniesa M, Jofre J, García-Aljaro C, Blanch AR. Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2006; 40:7141-9. [PMID: 17180960 DOI: 10.1021/es060927k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (O157 and other serotypes) are zoonotic pathogens linked with severe human illnesses. The main virulence factors of EHEC are the Shiga toxins, among others. Most of the genes coding for these toxins are bacteriophage-encoded. Although ruminants are recognized as their main natural reservoir, water has also been documented as a way of transmission of EHEC. E. coli O157:H7 and other EHEC may contaminate waters (recreational, drinking or irrigation waters) through feces from humans and other animals. Indeed, the occurrence of EHEC carrying the stx2 gene in raw municipal sewage and animal wastewater from several origins has been widely documented. However, the evaluation of the persistence of naturally occurring EHEC in the environment is still difficult due to methodological problems. Methods proposed for the detection and isolation of stx-encoding bacteria, ranging from the classic culture-based methods to molecular approaches, and their application in the environment, are discussed here. Most virulence factors associated with these strains are linked to either plasmids or phages, and consequently they are likely to be subject to horizontal gene transfer between species or serotypes. Moreover, the presence of infectious stx-phages isolated as free particles in the environment and their high persistence in water systems suggest that they may contribute to the spread of stx genes, as they are directly involved in the emergence of new pathogenic strains, which might have important health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Muniesa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Blanch AR, Belanche-Muñoz L, Bonjoch X, Ebdon J, Gantzer C, Lucena F, Ottoson J, Kourtis C, Iversen A, Kühn I, Mocé L, Muniesa M, Schwartzbrod J, Skraber S, Papageorgiou GT, Taylor H, Wallis J, Jofre J. Integrated analysis of established and novel microbial and chemical methods for microbial source tracking. Appl Environ Microbiol 2006; 72:5915-26. [PMID: 16957211 PMCID: PMC1563622 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02453-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several microbes and chemicals have been considered as potential tracers to identify fecal sources in the environment. However, to date, no one approach has been shown to accurately identify the origins of fecal pollution in aquatic environments. In this multilaboratory study, different microbial and chemical indicators were analyzed in order to distinguish human fecal sources from nonhuman fecal sources using wastewaters and slurries from diverse geographical areas within Europe. Twenty-six parameters, which were later combined to form derived variables for statistical analyses, were obtained by performing methods that were achievable in all the participant laboratories: enumeration of fecal coliform bacteria, enterococci, clostridia, somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA phages, bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis RYC2056 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron GA17, and total and sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria; genotyping of F-specific RNA phages; biochemical phenotyping of fecal coliform bacteria and enterococci using miniaturized tests; specific detection of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium dentium; and measurement of four fecal sterols. A number of potentially useful source indicators were detected (bacteriophages infecting B. thetaiotaomicron, certain genotypes of F-specific bacteriophages, sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria, 24-ethylcoprostanol, and epycoprostanol), although no one source identifier alone provided 100% correct classification of the fecal source. Subsequently, 38 variables (both single and derived) were defined from the measured microbial and chemical parameters in order to find the best subset of variables to develop predictive models using the lowest possible number of measured parameters. To this end, several statistical or machine learning methods were evaluated and provided two successful predictive models based on just two variables, giving 100% correct classification: the ratio of the densities of somatic coliphages and phages infecting Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to the density of somatic coliphages and the ratio of the densities of fecal coliform bacteria and phages infecting Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to the density of fecal coliform bacteria. Other models with high rates of correct classification were developed, but in these cases, higher numbers of variables were required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anicet R Blanch
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 645, Barcelona, Spain.
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Dubois E, Hennechart C, Deboosère N, Merle G, Legeay O, Burger C, Le Calvé M, Lombard B, Ferré V, Traoré O. Intra-laboratory validation of a concentration method adapted for the enumeration of infectious F-specific RNA coliphage, enterovirus, and hepatitis A virus from inoculated leaves of salad vegetables. Int J Food Microbiol 2006; 108:164-71. [PMID: 16387377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2005.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2005] [Revised: 08/08/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Salad vegetables exposed to fecal contamination may cause outbreaks of hepatitis or gastro-enteritis if they are eaten raw. A procedure, based on elution with phosphate-buffered saline and concentration by filtration through membrane filters, was developed for the recovery of enteric viruses from salad leaves. The method was evaluated using lettuce leaves inoculated with hepatitis A virus (HAV), poliovirus, and MS2 bacteriophage. In addition, this method was validated by an intra-laboratory study using leaves of various salad vegetables inoculated with MS2 phage. The French standard NF V 03-110 was used to establish the general principle and the technical protocol of the validation procedure. Linear regression models describing the quantitative reactions were good fits to data in the whole range of viral concentrations tested, which was from about 1 to 4 log plaque-forming units (PFU) per 25 g of lettuce. The fractions of inoculated viruses recovered were estimated to be about 64% for HAV, 18% for poliovirus, and 29% for MS2. No significant effect of the food matrix was found using various types of salad vegetable (butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, witloof chicory, curly endive, corn salad, rocket and watercress). Moreover, the variance of the results was constant for all levels of virus contamination within the experimental range. Intermediate reproducibility experiments were also performed to allow calculation of the uncertainty factor, which was found to be 0.58 log PFU/25 g. When used in association with phage enumeration, this validated procedure is rapid enough to be used for screening salad vegetables for evaluation of the efficacy of processes for control of pathogenic microorganisms on such foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dubois
- Unité de Virologie des Aliments et de l'Eau, Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, 23, avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94706 Maisons-Alfort cedex, France.
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43
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Payan A, Ebdon J, Taylor H, Gantzer C, Ottoson J, Papageorgiou GT, Blanch AR, Lucena F, Jofre J, Muniesa M. Method for isolation of Bacteroides bacteriophage host strains suitable for tracking sources of fecal pollution in water. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:5659-62. [PMID: 16151173 PMCID: PMC1214671 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.9.5659-5662.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides are potentially a good tool for fecal source tracking, but different Bacteroides host strains are needed for different geographic areas. A feasible method for isolating Bacteroides host strains for phages present in human fecal material is described. Useful strains were identified for application in Spain and the United Kingdom. One strain, GA-17, identified as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, was tested in several locations in Europe with excellent performance in Southern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Payan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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44
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Muniesa M, Blanch AR, Lucena F, Jofre J. Bacteriophages may bias outcome of bacterial enrichment cultures. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:4269-75. [PMID: 16085813 PMCID: PMC1183318 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.8.4269-4275.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enrichment cultures are widely used for the isolation of bacteria in clinical, biotechnological, and environmental studies. However, competition, relative growth rates, or inhibitory effects may alter the outcome of enrichment cultures, causing the phenomenon known as enrichment bias. Bacteriophages are a major component in many microbial systems, and it abounds in natural settings. This abundance means that bacteriophages are likely to be present in many laboratory enrichment cultures. Our hypothesis was that bacteriophages present in the sample might bias the enriched subpopulation, since it can infect and lyse the target bacteria during the enrichment step once the bacteria reach a given density. Here we show that the presence of bacteriophages in Salmonella and Shigella enrichment cultures produced a significant reduction (more than 1 log unit) in the number of these bacteria compared with samples in which bacteriophages had been reduced by filtration through 0.45-microm non-protein-binding membranes. Furthermore, our data indicate that the Salmonella biotypes isolated after the enrichment culture change if bacteriophages are present, thus distorting the results of the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Muniesa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Ottoson J, Norström A, Dalhammar G. Removal of micro-organisms in a small-scale hydroponics wastewater treatment system. Lett Appl Microbiol 2005; 40:443-7. [PMID: 15892740 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2005.01689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To measure the microbial removal capacity of a small-scale hydroponics wastewater treatment plant. METHODS AND RESULTS Paired samples were taken from untreated, partly-treated and treated wastewater and analysed for faecal microbial indicators, i.e. coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens spores and somatic coliphages, by culture based methods. Escherichia coli was never detected in effluent water after >5.8-log removal. Enterococci, coliforms, spores and coliphages were removed by 4.5, 4.1, 2.3 and 2.5 log respectively. Most of the removal (60-87%) took place in the latter part of the system because of settling, normal inactivation (retention time 12.7 d) and sand filtration. Time-dependent log-linear removal was shown for spores (k = -0.17 log d(-1), r(2) = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Hydroponics wastewater treatment removed micro-organisms satisfactorily. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Investigations on the microbial removal capacity of hydroponics have only been performed for bacterial indicators. In this study it has been shown that virus and (oo)cyst process indicators were removed and that hydroponics can be an alternative to conventional wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ottoson
- Department of Parasitology, Mycology and Water, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Solna, Sweden.
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46
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Skraber S, Gassilloud B, Gantzer C. Comparison of coliforms and coliphages as tools for assessment of viral contamination in river water. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004; 70:3644-9. [PMID: 15184169 PMCID: PMC427742 DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.6.3644-3649.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of pathogenic viruses in the Moselle River and to compare the usefulness of thermotolerant coliforms and somatic coliphages as tools for river water quality assessment in terms of viral contamination. Thermotolerant coliforms and somatic coliphages were enumerated by standardized methods in 170 samples of river water drawn from five sampling sites along the Moselle River (eastern France). BGM cell culture and integrated cell culture-reverse transcription-PCR DNA enzyme immunoassay were used to determine the presence of pathogenic viral genome (Enterovirus and Norovirus genogroup II [GGII]) and infectious Enterovirus spp. in 90 1-liter samples. No infectious Enterovirus spp. were isolated, but Enterovirus and Norovirus GGII genomes were detected in 38% of the samples. Norovirus GGII genome was mostly detected in winter, whereas Enterovirus genome was mostly detected in summer and fall. Somatic coliphages appeared to be less sensitive to higher river water temperature than thermotolerant coliforms. Furthermore, the number of river water samples positive for pathogenic viral genome increased with increasing concentration of somatic coliphages, whereas coliform concentration was unrelated to viral genome contamination. Consequently somatic coliphages, which are less sensitive to environmental factors than thermotolerant coliforms in river water, would provide a promising tool for assessment of river water quality in terms of fecal and viral pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Skraber
- LCPME-UMR 7564 CNRS/UHP, Virologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, 54001 Nancy, France
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47
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Allwood PB, Malik YS, Hedberg CW, Goyal SM. Effect of temperature and sanitizers on the survival of feline calicivirus, Escherichia coli, and F-specific coliphage MS2 on leafy salad vegetables. J Food Prot 2004; 67:1451-6. [PMID: 15270500 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-67.7.1451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a series of experiments to compare the survival of Escherichia coli, feline calicivirus, and F-specific coliphage MS2 on lettuce and cabbage with and without disinfection. Inoculated produce was held at 4, 25, or 37 degrees C for 21 days or was treated with different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate, chlorine bleach, peroxyacetic acid, or hydrogen peroxide. Survival was measured by the decimal reduction value (time to 90% reduction in titer) and the change in log titers of the test organisms. A stronger correlation of survival measures was observed between feline calicivirus and MS2 than between E. coli and either of the viral agents at 25 and 37 degrees C. The maximum time to detection limit for MS2 at all temperatures was 9 days, whereas feline calicivirus was detected for a maximum of 14 days at 4 degrees C. In contrast, E. coli was detectable for 21 days at 4 and 25 degrees C and for 14 days at 37 degrees C. Significant increases in E. coli titer occurred within the first 5 days, but virus titers decreased steadily throughout the experiments. E. coli was also highly susceptible to all disinfectants except 1% sodium bicarbonate and 50 ppm chlorine bleach, whereas the viruses were resistant to all four disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Allwood
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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48
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García-Aljaro C, Muniesa M, Jofre J, Blanch AR. Prevalence of the
stx
2
Gene in Coliform Populations from Aquatic Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004; 70:3535-40. [PMID: 15184154 PMCID: PMC427775 DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.6.3535-3540.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
strains are human pathogens linked to hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The major virulence factors of these strains are Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2. The majority of the genes coding for these toxins are borne by bacteriophages. Free Stx2-encoding bacteriophages have been found in aquatic environments, but there is limited information about the lysogenic strains and bacteria present in the environment that are susceptible to phage infection. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence and the distribution of the
stx
2
gene in coliform bacteria in sewage samples of different origins. The presence of the
stx
2
gene was monitored every 2 weeks over a 1-year period in a municipal sewage treatment plant. A mean value of 10
2
genes/ml was observed without significant variation during the study period. This concentration was of the same order of magnitude in raw municipal sewage of various origins and in animal wastewater from several slaughterhouses. A total of 138 strains carrying the
stx
2
gene were isolated by colony hybridization. This procedure detected approximately 1 gene-carrying colony per 1,000 fecal coliform colonies in municipal sewage and around 1 gene-carrying colony per 100 fecal coliform colonies in animal wastewaters. Most of the isolates belonged to
E. coli
serotypes other than
E. coli
O157, suggesting a low prevalence of strains of this serotype carrying the
stx
2
gene in the wastewater studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina García-Aljaro
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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