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Clark GG, Geisler D, Coey EJ, Pollitz LJ, Zaki FR, Huang C, Boppart SA, Nguyen TH. Influence of phosphate on bacterial release from activated carbon point-of-use filters and on biofilm characteristics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169932. [PMID: 38199359 PMCID: PMC11090127 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Point-of-use (POU) filters certified to remove lead are often composed of activated carbon and have been shown to release high concentrations of bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens. In this study, we examine the impacts of the common corrosion inhibitor phosphate on biofilm characteristics and the relationship between biofilm structure and bacterial release from POU filters. This knowledge is essential for understanding how best to use the filters and where these filters fit in a system where other lead contamination prevention measures may be in place. We measured the bacterial release from activated carbon POU filters fed with groundwater - a common source of drinking water - with and without phosphate. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantitatively characterize biofilm growing on activated carbon filter material in which the biofilms were fed groundwater with and without phosphate. Phosphate filters released significantly less (57-87 %) bacteria than groundwater filters, and phosphate biofilms (median thickness: 82-331 μm) grew to be significantly thicker than groundwater biofilms (median thickness: 122-221 μm). The phosphate biofilm roughness ranged from 97 to 142 % of the groundwater biofilm roughness and was significantly greater in most weeks. Phosphate biofilms also had fewer pores per biofilm volume and shorter channels connecting those pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma G Clark
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America.
| | - Dietrich Geisler
- Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, United States of America
| | - Evan J Coey
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Lance J Pollitz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Farzana R Zaki
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Conghui Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, United States of America; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
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Optenhövel M, Mellmann A, Kuczius T. Occurrence and prevalence of Legionella species in dental chair units in Germany with a focus on risk factors. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:1235-1244. [PMID: 37698817 PMCID: PMC10511595 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04659-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Water-bearing instruments and treatments in dental units produce aerosols originating from the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), which are often microbially contaminated. Particularly, the presence of Legionella mainly realized as aerosols leads to a risk of infection in patients and dental staff. METHODS Here, we record the general bacteriological status of DUWLs in Germany and investigated the prevalence of Legionella spp., with a focus on identification and occurrence of distinct species considering the various aspects of dental practice such as dental chair equipment, disinfection methods, and temperatures. RESULTS Out of 3789 water samples of 459 dental practices, collected in the years 2019 and 2020, 36.4% were Legionella positive with predominance of L. anisa (97.89%) identified by MALDI-TOF biotyping. L. pneumophila was detected very rarely. Risk factor analysis revealed that temperatures >20°C are a significant factor for increased Legionella colonization. CONCLUSION In order to minimize the risk of infection, routine monitoring of the water quality in dental chair units is recommended with regard to general microbiological loads and to the presence of Legionella as opportunistic pathogen as well as the regular application of routine disinfection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Optenhövel
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kuczius
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Stolarek P, Bernat P, Szczerbiec D, Różalski A. Phospholipids and Fatty Acids Affect the Colonization of Urological Catheters by Proteus mirabilis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168452. [PMID: 34445157 PMCID: PMC8395112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis-mediated CAUTIs are usually initiated by the adherence of bacteria to a urinary catheter surface. In this paper, three isolates of different origin and exhibiting different adhesion abilities were investigated in search of any changes in lipidome components which might contribute to P. mirabilis adhesion to catheters. Using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques, 21 fatty acids and 27 phospholipids were identified in the examined cells. The comparison of the profiles of phospholipids and fatty acids obtained for catheter-attached cells and planktonic cells of the pathogens indicated C11:0 and PE 37:2 levels as values which could be related to P. mirabilis adhesion to a catheter, as well as cis C16:1, PE 32:0, PE 33:0, PE 38:2, PG 33:1, PG 34:0, PE 30:1, PE 32:1 and PG 30:2 levels as values which could be associated with cell hydrophobicity. Based on DiBAC4 (3) fluorescence intensity and an affinity to p-xylene, it was found that the inner membrane depolarization, as well as strong cell-surface hydrophobicity, were important for P. mirabilis adhesion to a silicone catheter. A generalized polarization of Laurdan showed lower values for P. mirabilis cells attached to the catheter surface than for planktonic cells, suggesting lower packing density of membrane components of the adherent cells compared with tightly packed, stiffened membranes of the planktonic cells. Taken together, these data indicate that high surface hydrophobicity, fluidization and depolarization of P. mirabilis cell membranes enable colonization of a silicone urinary catheter surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Stolarek
- Department of Biology of Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (D.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-635-43-24; Fax: +48-42-665-58-18
| | - Przemysław Bernat
- Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Dominika Szczerbiec
- Department of Biology of Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Antoni Różalski
- Department of Biology of Bacteria, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (D.S.); (A.R.)
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Ariyadasa S, Abeysekera G, Billington C, Fee C, Pang L. Growth phase-dependent surface properties of Legionella pneumophila and their role in adhesion to stainless steel coated QCM-D sensors. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:257-267. [PMID: 34028067 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila cell surface hydrophobicity and charge are important determinants of their mobility and persistence in engineered water systems (EWS). These surface properties may differ depending on the growth phase of L. pneumophila resulting in variable adhesion and persistence within EWS. We describe the growth-dependent variations in L. pneumophila cell surface hydrophobicity and surface charge using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon assay and microelectrophoresis, respectively, and their role in cell adhesion to stainless steel using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring instrument. We observed a steady increase in L. pneumophila hydrophobicity during their lifecycle in culture media. Cell surfaces of stationary phase L. pneumophila were significantly more hydrophobic than their lag and midexponential counterparts. No significant changes in L. pneumophila cell surface charge were noted. Morphology of L. pneumophila remained relatively constant throughout their lifecycle. In the QCM-D study, lag and exponential phase L. pneumophila weakly adhered to stainless steel surfaces resulting in viscoelastic layers. In contrast, stationary phase bacteria were tightly and irreversibly bound to the surfaces, forming rigid layers. Our results suggest that the stationary phase of L. pneumophila would highly favour their adhesion to plumbing surfaces and persistence in EWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ariyadasa
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - G Abeysekera
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - C Billington
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - C Fee
- School of Product Design and Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - L Pang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Oder M, Koklič T, Umek P, Podlipec R, Štrancar J, Dobeic M. Photocatalytic biocidal effect of copper doped TiO2 nanotube coated surfaces under laminar flow, illuminated with UVA light on Legionella pneumophila. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227574. [PMID: 31940328 PMCID: PMC6961935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila can cause a potentially fatal form of humane pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease), which is most problematic in immunocompromised and in elderly people. Legionella species is present at low concentrations in soil, natural and artificial aquatic systems and is therefore constantly entering man-made water systems. The environment temperature for it's ideal growth range is between 32 and 42°C, thus hot water pipes represent ideal environment for spread of Legionella. The bacteria are dormant below 20°C and do not survive above 60°C. The primary method used to control the risk from Legionella is therefore water temperature control. There are several other effective treatments to prevent growth of Legionella in water systems, however current disinfection methods can be applied only intermittently thus allowing Legionella to grow in between treatments. Here we present an alternative disinfection method based on antibacterial coatings with Cu-TiO2 nanotubes deposited on preformed surfaces. In the experiment the microbiocidal efficiency of submicron coatings on polystyrene to the bacterium of the genus Legionella pneumophila with a potential use in a water supply system was tested. The treatment thus constantly prevents growth of Legionella pneumophila in presence of water at room temperature. Here we show that 24-hour illumination with low power UVA light source (15 W/m2 UVA illumination) of copper doped TiO2 nanotube coated surfaces is effective in preventing growth of Legionella pneumophila. Microbiocidal effects of Cu-TiO2 nanotube coatings were dependent on the flow of the medium and the intensity of UV-A light. It was determined that tested submicron coatings have microbiocidal effects specially in a non-flow or low-flow conditions, as in higher flow rates, probably to a greater possibility of Legionella pneumophila sedimentation on the coated polystyrene surfaces, meanwhile no significant differences among bacteria reduction was noted regarding to non or low flow of medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Oder
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Koklič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, “Jožef Stefan” Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Umek
- Laboratory of Biophysics, “Jožef Stefan” Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Podlipec
- Laboratory of Biophysics, “Jožef Stefan” Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Helmholz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Ion Beam Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janez Štrancar
- Laboratory of Biophysics, “Jožef Stefan” Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Dobeic
- Institute of Food Safety Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Assaidi A, Ellouali M, Latrache H, Mabrouki M, Timinouni M, Zahir H, Tankiouine S, Barguigua A, Mliji EM. Adhesion of Legionella pneumophila on glass and plumbing materials commonly used in domestic water systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:125-133. [PMID: 29376417 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1429580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the adhesion of Legionella pneumophila serogroup1 and L. pneumophila serogroup2-15 on glass, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, Polyvinyl chloride(PVC), Cross-linked polyethylene(PEX-c) and Polypropylene Random Copolymer(PPR). The surface physicochemical properties of both bacterial cells and materials were estimated through contact angle measurements. The roughness and surface topography of the materials were evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy. The two L. pneumophila serogroups and plumbing materials showed a hydrophobic character, while glass surface was hydrophilic. All strains were adhered to all materials with the exception of copper. The result showed that the adhesion of both L. pneumophila sg1 and sg2-15 was systematically expressed with high intensity on galvanized steel followed by PVC, PEX-c, PPR, stainless steel and the low intensity on glass. The extent of adhesion is in correlation with the surface roughness and acid-bases interactions, while hydrophobicity seems to have no effect in adhesion intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahid Assaidi
- a Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
- b Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene , Institut Pasteur du Maroc , Casablanca , Morocco
| | - Mostafa Ellouali
- a Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - Hassan Latrache
- a Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - Mustapha Mabrouki
- c Laboratory of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - Mohammed Timinouni
- b Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene , Institut Pasteur du Maroc , Casablanca , Morocco
| | - Hafida Zahir
- a Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - Safae Tankiouine
- a Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - Abouddihaj Barguigua
- d Polyvalent Laboratory of Research and Development, Polydisciplinary Faculty , Sultan Moulay Slimane University , Beni Mellal , Morocco
| | - El Mostafa Mliji
- b Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene , Institut Pasteur du Maroc , Casablanca , Morocco
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Oder M, Arlič M, Bohinc K, Fink R. Escherichia coli biofilm formation and dispersion under hydrodynamic conditions on metal surfaces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:55-63. [PMID: 29232959 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2017.1415309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of hydrodynamic forces on the multiplication of E. coli, and biofilm formation and dispersion. The experiments were provided in a flow chamber simulating a cleaning-in-place system. Biofilm biomass was measured using a crystal violet dye method. The results show that hydrodynamic forces affect not only biofilm formation and dispersion but the multiplication of E. coli in the first place. We found more biofilm biomass on the rough surface than on the smooth one. The results of the biofilm formation test show that laminar flow promotes the biofilm growth over 72 h, meanwhile turbulent flow after 48 h causes decrease in biomass. The results of the biofilm dispersion test, in contrast, show that laminar flow removed less biofilm from both materials that turbulent flow did. Therefore, taking into account these findings in cleaning-in-place technology can substantially reduce E. coli multiplication and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Oder
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Mateja Arlič
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Klemen Bohinc
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Rok Fink
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
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