1
|
Yu D, Stothard P, Neumann NF. Emergence of potentially disinfection-resistant, naturalized Escherichia coli populations across food- and water-associated engineered environments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13478. [PMID: 38866876 PMCID: PMC11169474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64241-y] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli species is comprised of several 'ecotypes' inhabiting a wide range of host and natural environmental niches. Recent studies have suggested that novel naturalized ecotypes have emerged across wastewater treatment plants and meat processing facilities. Phylogenetic and multilocus sequence typing analyses clustered naturalized wastewater and meat plant E. coli strains into two main monophyletic clusters corresponding to the ST635 and ST399 sequence types, with several serotypes identified by serotyping, potentially representing distinct lineages that have naturalized across wastewater treatment plants and meat processing facilities. This evidence, taken alongside ecotype prediction analyses that distinguished the naturalized strains from their host-associated counterparts, suggests these strains may collectively represent a novel ecotype that has recently emerged across food- and water-associated engineered environments. Interestingly, pan-genomic analyses revealed that the naturalized strains exhibited an abundance of biofilm formation, defense, and disinfection-related stress resistance genes, but lacked various virulence and colonization genes, indicating that their naturalization has come at the cost of fitness in the original host environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Antimicrobial Resistance-One Health Consortium, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Paul Stothard
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Norman F Neumann
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Antimicrobial Resistance-One Health Consortium, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-Faliti M, Wang P, Smith AL, Delgado Vela J. Phage phylogeny, molecular signaling, and auxiliary antimicrobial resistance in aerobic and anaerobic membrane bioreactors. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121620. [PMID: 38677036 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121620] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Phage emit communication signals that inform their lytic and lysogenic life cycles. However, little is known regarding the abundance and diversity of the genes associated with phage communication systems in wastewater treatment microbial communities. This study focused on phage communities within two distinct biochemical wastewater environments, specifically aerobic membrane bioreactors (AeMBRs) and anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) exposed to varying antibiotic concentrations. Metagenomic data from the bench-scale systems were analyzed to explore phage phylogeny, life cycles, and genetic capacity for antimicrobial resistance and quorum sensing. Two dominant phage families, Schitoviridae and Peduoviridae, exhibited redox-dependent dynamics. Schitoviridae prevailed in anaerobic conditions, while Peduoviridae dominated in aerobic conditions. Notably, the abundance of lytic and lysogenic proteins varied across conditions, suggesting the coexistence of both life cycles. Furthermore, the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within viral contigs highlighted the potential for phage to transfer ARGs in AeMBRs. Finally, quorum sensing genes in the virome of AeMBRs indicated possible molecular signaling between phage and bacteria. Overall, this study provides insights into the dynamics of viral communities across varied redox conditions in MBRs. These findings shed light on phage life cycles, and auxiliary genetic capacity such as antibiotic resistance and bacterial quorum sensing within wastewater treatment microbial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitham Al-Faliti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Phillip Wang
- Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adam L Smith
- Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeseth Delgado Vela
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bhandare S, Lawal OU, Colavecchio A, Cadieux B, Zahirovich-Jovich Y, Zhong Z, Tompkins E, Amitrano M, Kukavica-Ibrulj I, Boyle B, Wang S, Levesque RC, Delaquis P, Danyluk M, Goodridge L. Genomic and Phenotypic Analysis of Salmonella enterica Bacteriophages Identifies Two Novel Phage Species. Microorganisms 2024; 12:695. [PMID: 38674639 PMCID: PMC11052255 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are potential alternatives to chemical antimicrobials against pathogens of public health significance. Understanding the diversity and host specificity of phages is important for developing effective phage biocontrol approaches. Here, we assessed the host range, morphology, and genetic diversity of eight Salmonella enterica phages isolated from a wastewater treatment plant. The host range analysis revealed that six out of eight phages lysed more than 81% of the 43 Salmonella enterica isolates tested. The genomic sequences of all phages were determined. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data revealed that phage genome sizes ranged from 41 to 114 kb, with GC contents between 39.9 and 50.0%. Two of the phages SB13 and SB28 represent new species, Epseptimavirus SB13 and genera Macdonaldcampvirus, respectively, as designated by the International Committee for the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) using genome-based taxonomic classification. One phage (SB18) belonged to the Myoviridae morphotype while the remaining phages belonged to the Siphoviridae morphotype. The gene content analyses showed that none of the phages possessed virulence, toxin, antibiotic resistance, type I-VI toxin-antitoxin modules, or lysogeny genes. Three (SB3, SB15, and SB18) out of the eight phages possessed tailspike proteins. Whole-genome-based phylogeny of the eight phages with their 113 homologs revealed three clusters A, B, and C and seven subclusters (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, and C2). While cluster C1 phages were predominantly isolated from animal sources, cluster B contained phages from both wastewater and animal sources. The broad host range of these phages highlights their potential use for controlling the presence of S. enterica in foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar Bhandare
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Opeyemi U. Lawal
- Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Anna Colavecchio
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Brigitte Cadieux
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Yella Zahirovich-Jovich
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Zeyan Zhong
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Elizabeth Tompkins
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Margot Amitrano
- Food Safety and Quality Program, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada or (S.B.)
| | - Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (IBIS), Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada (R.C.L.)
| | - Brian Boyle
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (IBIS), Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada (R.C.L.)
| | - Siyun Wang
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Roger C. Levesque
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (IBIS), Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada (R.C.L.)
| | - Pascal Delaquis
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0, Canada
| | - Michelle Danyluk
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lawrence Goodridge
- Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bisen M, Kharga K, Mehta S, Jabi N, Kumar L. Bacteriophages in nature: recent advances in research tools and diverse environmental and biotechnological applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22199-22242. [PMID: 38411907 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32535-3] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophages infect and replicate within bacteria and play a key role in the environment, particularly in microbial ecosystems and bacterial population dynamics. The increasing recognition of their significance stems from their wide array of environmental and biotechnological uses, which encompass the mounting issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Beyond their therapeutic potential in combating antibiotic-resistant infections, bacteriophages also find vast applications such as water quality monitoring, bioremediation, and nutrient cycling within environmental sciences. Researchers are actively involved in isolating and characterizing bacteriophages from different natural sources to explore their applications. Gaining insights into key aspects such as the life cycle of bacteriophages, their host range, immune interactions, and physical stability is vital to enhance their application potential. The establishment of diverse phage libraries has become indispensable to facilitate their wide-ranging uses. Consequently, numerous protocols, ranging from traditional to cutting-edge techniques, have been developed for the isolation, detection, purification, and characterization of bacteriophages from diverse environmental sources. This review offers an exploration of tools, delves into the methods of isolation, characterization, and the extensive environmental applications of bacteriophages, particularly in areas like water quality assessment, the food sector, therapeutic interventions, and the phage therapy in various infections and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monish Bisen
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Kusum Kharga
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Sakshi Mehta
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Nashra Jabi
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Lokender Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Raj Khosla Centre for Cancer Research, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, 173229, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fortaleza JAG, Ong CJN, De Jesus R. Efficacy and clinical potential of phage therapy in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections: A review. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:13-25. [PMID: 38305804 PMCID: PMC10895361 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2023.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus infections have already presented a substantial public health challenge, encompassing different clinical manifestations, ranging from bacteremia to sepsis and multi-organ failures. Among these infections, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is particularly alarming due to its well-documented resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, contributing significantly to global mortality rates. Consequently, the urgent need for effective treatment options has prompted a growing interest in exploring phage therapy as a potential non-antibiotic treatment against MRSA infections. Phages represent a class of highly specific bacterial viruses known for their ability to infect certain bacterial strains. This review paper explores the clinical potential of phages as a treatment for MRSA infections due to their low toxicity and auto-dosing capabilities. The paper also discusses the synergistic effect of phage-antibiotic combination (PAC) and the promising results from in vitro and animal model studies, which could lead to extensive human clinical trials. However, clinicians need to establish and adhere to standard protocols governing phage administration and implementation. Prominent clinical trials are needed to develop and advance phage therapy as a non-antibiotic therapy intervention, meeting regulatory guidelines, logistical requirements, and ethical considerations, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of MRSA infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Allen G Fortaleza
- 1Senior High School Department, NU Fairview Incorporated, Quezon City, 1118, Philippines
- 2National University, Philippines, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008, Philippines
| | | | - Rener De Jesus
- 4Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blanch AR, Méndez J, Lucena F, Casas-Mangas R, Chesa-Marro MJ, Llopart-Mascaró A, Jofre J. Somatic Coliphages as an Operational Tool to Assess Loss of Bathing Water Quality after Heavy Rain Events. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120981. [PMID: 38091698 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120981] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Rapid population growth and coastal development has led to increased fecal contamination of coastal surface waters worldwide, enhancing the potential risk of waterborne human pathogens in bathing areas. More frequent heavy rainfall events, attributed to global warming, have further exacerbated the problem by causing sometimes sewer overflows into recreational waters. As traditional bacterial indicators have limited accuracy for predicting health risks associated with waterborne viruses, the additional use of viral indicators such as coliphages is recommended. In this study, we compared the behavior of bacterial and viral indicators of water quality at 10 Barcelona beaches during three bathing seasons, in dry conditions, and after four rainstorms that caused specific pollution events due to rain runoff with combined sewer overflows (CSO). Levels of all target indicators increased after the rainstorms, but compared to Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, somatic coliphages exhibited a slower decline and higher environmental persistence following a rain event. Daily continuous sampling carried out during the days following a rainstorm allowed not only the determination of the decay kinetics of each target indicator but also the day when the water quality recovered the values established in the current European regulation in approximately 2 -3 days after each CSO. These observations indicate that the combined use of bacterial and viral indicators can enhance the surveillance of microbial quality of bathing waters. Moreover, coliphages can swiftly provide insights into transient fecal pollution linked to rainfall episodes, thanks to available analytical techniques that enable same-day recommendations. The management of urban wastewater and recreational water regulations should consistently employ microbial indicators to address rainwater runoff or sewer overflows resulting from heavy rainfall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Blanch
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J Méndez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Lucena
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Casas-Mangas
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Chesa-Marro
- Barcelona Cicle de l'Aigua, S.A. (BCASA). Ajuntament de Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain
| | - A Llopart-Mascaró
- Barcelona Cicle de l'Aigua, S.A. (BCASA). Ajuntament de Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain
| | - J Jofre
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marton HL, Bhatt A, Sagona AP, Kilbride P, Gibson MI. Screening of Hydrophilic Polymers Reveals Broad Activity in Protecting Phages during Cryopreservation. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:413-424. [PMID: 38124388 PMCID: PMC10777348 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages have many biotechnological and therapeutic applications, but as with other biologics, cryopreservation is essential for storage and distribution. Macromolecular cryoprotectants are emerging for a range of biologics, but the chemical space for polymer-mediated phage cryopreservation has not been explored. Here we screen the cryoprotective effect of a panel of polymers against five distinct phages, showing that nearly all the tested polymers provide a benefit. Exceptions were poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(acrylic acid), which can inhibit phage-infection with bacteria, making post-thaw recovery challenging to assess. A particular benefit of a polymeric cryopreservation formulation is that the polymers do not function as carbon sources for the phage hosts (bacteria) and hence do not interfere with post-thaw measurements. This work shows that phages are amenable to protection with hydrophilic polymers and opens up new opportunities for advanced formulations for future phage therapies and to take advantage of the additional functionality brought by the polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huba L. Marton
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Apoorva Bhatt
- School
of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Institute
of Microbiology and Infection, University
of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United
Kingdom
| | - Antonia P. Sagona
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kilbride
- Asymptote,
Cytiva, Chivers Way, Cambridge CB24 9BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew I. Gibson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Warwick
Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, University of
Manchester, 131 Princess
Street, Manchester, M1
7DN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sarat N, Salim A, Pal S, Subhash S, Prasad M, Nair BG, Madhavan A. Mitigation of biogenic methanethiol using bacteriophages in synthetic wastewater augmented with Pseudomonas putida. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19480. [PMID: 37945592 PMCID: PMC10636157 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46938-8] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater malodour is the proverbial 'elephant in the room' notwithstanding its severe implications on sanitation, health, and hygiene. The predominant malodorous compounds associated with wastewater treatment plants and toilets are volatile organic compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methanethiol, and organic acids. Among them, methanethiol warrants more attention owing to its relatively low olfactory threshold and associated cytotoxicity. This requires an efficient odour-abatement method since conventional techniques are either cost-prohibitive or leave recalcitrant byproducts. Bacteriophage-based methodology holds promise, and the described work explores the potential. In this study, a non-lysogenous Pseudomonas putida strain is used as a model organism that produces methanethiol in the presence of methionine. Two double-stranded DNA phages of genome sizes > 10 Kb were isolated from sewage. ɸPh_PP01 and ɸPh_PP02 were stable at suboptimal pH, temperature, and at 10% chloroform. Moreover, they showed adsorption efficiencies of 53% and 89% in 12 min and burst sizes of 507 ± 187 and 105 ± 7 virions per cell, respectively. In augmented synthetic wastewater, ɸPh_PP01 and ɸPh_PP02 reduced methanethiol production by 52% and 47%, respectively, with the concomitant reduction in P. putida by 3 logs in 6 h. On extension of the study in P. putida spiked-sewage sample, maximum reduction in methanethiol production was achieved in 3 h, with 49% and 48% for ɸPh_PP01 and ɸPh_PP02, respectively. But at 6 h, efficiency reduced to 36% with both the phages. The study clearly demonstrates the potential of phages as biocontrol agents in the reduction of malodour in wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niti Sarat
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Amrita Salim
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Sanjay Pal
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India.
| | - Suja Subhash
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Megha Prasad
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Bipin G Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Ajith Madhavan
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, Kerala, 690525, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Adamczyk-Popławska M, Golec P, Piekarowicz A, Kwiatek A. The potential for bacteriophages and prophage elements in fighting and preventing the gonorrhea. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37897236 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most numerous entities on earth and are found everywhere their bacterial hosts live. As natural bacteria killers, phages are extensively investigated as a potential cure for bacterial infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is the etiologic agent of a sexually transmitted disease: gonorrhea. The rapid increase of resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to antibiotics urges scientists to look for alternative treatments to combat gonococcal infections. Phage therapy has not been tested as an anti-gonococcal therapy so far. To date, no lytic phage has been discovered against N. gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, gonococcal genomes contain both dsDNA and ssDNA prophages, and viral particle induction has been documented. In this review, we consider literature data about the attempts of hunting for a bacteriophage specific for gonococci - the gonophage. We also discuss the potential application of prophage elements in the fight against N. gonorrhoeae. Temperate phages may be useful in preventing and treating gonorrhea as a scaffold for anti-gonococcal vaccine development and as a source of lytic enzymes with anti-gonococcal activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Adamczyk-Popławska
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Golec
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Piekarowicz
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kwiatek
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monteiro S, Machado-Moreira B, Linke R, Blanch AR, Ballesté E, Méndez J, Maunula L, Oristo S, Stange C, Tiehm A, Farnleitner AH, Santos R, García-Aljaro C. Performance of bacterial and mitochondrial qPCR source tracking methods: A European multi-center study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 253:114241. [PMID: 37611533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of molecular biology diagnostics, different quantitative PCR assays have been developed for use in Source Tracking (ST), with none of them showing 100% specificity and sensitivity. Most studies have been conducted at a regional level and mainly in fecal slurry rather than in animal wastewater. The use of a single molecular assay has most often proven to fall short in discriminating with precision the sources of fecal contamination. This work is a multicenter European ST study to compare bacterial and mitochondrial molecular assays and was set to evaluate the efficiency of nine previously described qPCR assays targeting human-, cow/ruminant-, pig-, and poultry-associated fecal contamination. The study was conducted in five European countries with seven fecal indicators and nine ST assays being evaluated in a total of 77 samples. Animal fecal slurry samples and human and non-human wastewater samples were analyzed. Fecal indicators measured by culture and qPCR were generally ubiquitous in the samples. The ST qPCR markers performed at high levels in terms of quantitative sensitivity and specificity demonstrating large geographical application. Sensitivity varied between 73% (PLBif) and 100% for the majority of the tested markers. On the other hand, specificity ranged from 53% (CWMit) and 97% (BacR). Animal-associated ST qPCR markers were generally detected in concentrations greater than those found for the respective human-associated qPCR markers, with mean concentration for the Bacteroides qPCR markers varying between 8.74 and 7.22 log10 GC/10 mL for the pig and human markers, respectively. Bacteroides spp. and mitochondrial DNA qPCR markers generally presented higher Spearman's rank coefficient in the pooled fecal samples tested, particularly the human fecal markers with a coefficient of 0.79. The evaluation of the performance of Bacteroides spp., mitochondrial DNA and Bifidobacterium spp. ST qPCR markers support advanced pollution monitoring of impaired aquatic environments, aiming to elaborate strategies for target-oriented water quality management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Monteiro
- Laboratório de Análises, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN. 10, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Bernardino Machado-Moreira
- Laboratório de Análises, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Linke
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Gumpendorferstr. 1a, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Dept. Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elisenda Ballesté
- Dept. Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Javier Méndez
- Dept. Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Leena Maunula
- Dept. Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Oristo
- Dept. Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Claudia Stange
- Dept. Water Microbiology, DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Germany
| | - Andreas Tiehm
- Dept. Water Microbiology, DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Germany
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Gumpendorferstr. 1a, 1060, Vienna, Austria; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Research Division Water Quality and Health, Dr.- Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Laboratório de Análises, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN. 10, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stockdale SR, Blanchard AM, Nayak A, Husain A, Nashine R, Dudani H, McClure CP, Tarr AW, Nag A, Meena E, Sinha V, Shrivastava SK, Hill C, Singer AC, Gomes RL, Acheampong E, Chidambaram SB, Bhatnagar T, Vetrivel U, Arora S, Kashyap RS, Monaghan TM. RNA-Seq of untreated wastewater to assess COVID-19 and emerging and endemic viruses for public health surveillance. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 14:100205. [PMID: 37193348 PMCID: PMC10150210 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the power of genomic sequencing to tackle the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. However, metagenomic sequencing of total microbial RNAs in wastewater has the potential to assess multiple infectious diseases simultaneously and has yet to be explored. Methods A retrospective RNA-Seq epidemiological survey of 140 untreated composite wastewater samples was performed across urban (n = 112) and rural (n = 28) areas of Nagpur, Central India. Composite wastewater samples were prepared by pooling 422 individual grab samples collected prospectively from sewer lines of urban municipality zones and open drains of rural areas from 3rd February to 3rd April 2021, during the second COVID-19 wave in India. Samples were pre-processed and total RNA was extracted prior to genomic sequencing. Findings This is the first study that has utilised culture and/or probe-independent unbiased RNA-Seq to examine Indian wastewater samples. Our findings reveal the detection of zoonotic viruses including chikungunya, Jingmen tick and rabies viruses, which have not previously been reported in wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 was detectable in 83 locations (59%), with stark abundance variations observed between sampling sites. Hepatitis C virus was the most frequently detected infectious virus, identified in 113 locations and co-occurring 77 times with SARS-CoV-2; and both were more abundantly detected in rural areas than urban zones. Concurrent identification of segmented virus genomic fragments of influenza A virus, norovirus, and rotavirus was observed. Geographical differences were also observed for astrovirus, saffold virus, husavirus, and aichi virus that were more prevalent in urban samples, while the zoonotic viruses chikungunya and rabies, were more abundant in rural environments. Interpretation RNA-Seq can effectively detect multiple infectious diseases simultaneously, facilitating geographical and epidemiological surveys of endemic viruses that could help direct healthcare interventions against emergent and pre-existent infectious diseases as well as cost-effectively and qualitatively characterising the health status of the population over time. Funding UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) grant number H54810, as supported by Research England.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam M. Blanchard
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amit Nayak
- Research Centre, Dr G.M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aliabbas Husain
- Research Centre, Dr G.M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rupam Nashine
- Research Centre, Dr G.M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hemanshi Dudani
- Research Centre, Dr G.M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - C. Patrick McClure
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander W. Tarr
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Queen's Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Aditi Nag
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Ekta Meena
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Vikky Sinha
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Sandeep K. Shrivastava
- Centre for Innovation, Research & Development, Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew C. Singer
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L. Gomes
- Food Water Waste Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Acheampong
- Food Water Waste Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Ghana, P.O. Box, LG 115, Legon, Ghana
| | - Saravana B. Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, 570015, KA, India
| | - Tarun Bhatnagar
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Umashankar Vetrivel
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Indian Council of Medical Research, Belagavi, 590010, India
- Virology and Biotechnology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, 600031, India
| | - Sudipti Arora
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Rajpal Singh Kashyap
- Research Centre, Dr G.M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tanya M. Monaghan
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ariyadasa S, Taylor W, Weaver L, McGill E, Billington C, Pattis I. Nonbacterial Microflora in Wastewater Treatment Plants: an Underappreciated Potential Source of Pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0048123. [PMID: 37222623 PMCID: PMC10269893 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00481-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) receive and treat large volumes of domestic, industrial, and urban wastewater containing pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms, chemical compounds, heavy metals, and other potentially hazardous substances. WWTPs play an essential role in preserving human, animal, and environmental health by removing many of these toxic and infectious agents, particularly biological hazards. Wastewater contains complex consortiums of bacterial, viral, archaeal, and eukaryotic species, and while bacteria in WWTP have been extensively studied, the temporal and spatial distribution of nonbacterial microflora (viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes) is less understood. In this study, we analyzed the viral, archaeal, and eukaryotic microflora in wastewater throughout a treatment plant (raw influent, effluent, oxidation pond water, and oxidation pond sediment) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) using Illumina shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Our results suggest a similar trend across many taxa, with an increase in relative abundance in oxidation pond samples compared to influent and effluent samples, except for archaea, which had the opposite trend. Additionally, some microbial families, such as Podoviridae bacteriophages and Apicomplexa alveolates, appeared largely unaffected by the treatment process, with their relative abundance remaining stable throughout. Several groups encompassing pathogenic species, such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Apicomplexa, Cryptococcus, Botrytis, and Ustilago, were identified. If present, these potentially pathogenic species could be a threat to human and animal health and agricultural productivity; therefore, further investigation is warranted. These nonbacterial pathogens should be considered when assessing the potential for vector transmission, distribution of biosolids to land, and discharge of treated wastewater to waterways or land. IMPORTANCE Nonbacterial microflora in wastewater remain understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts despite their importance in the wastewater treatment process. In this study, we report the temporal and spatial distributions of DNA viruses, archaea, protozoa, and fungi in raw wastewater influent, effluent, oxidation pond water, and oxidation pond sediments by using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Our study indicated the presence of groups of nonbacterial taxa which encompass pathogenic species that may have potential to cause disease in humans, animals, and agricultural crops. We also observed higher alpha diversity in viruses, archaea, and fungi in effluent samples than in influent samples. This suggests that the resident microflora in the wastewater treatment plant may be making a greater contribution to the diversity of taxa observed in wastewater effluent than previously thought. This study provides important insights to better understand the potential human, animal, and environmental health impacts of discharged treated wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujani Ariyadasa
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - William Taylor
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Erin McGill
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Craig Billington
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Isabelle Pattis
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kelmer GAR, Ramos ER, Dias EHO. Coliphages as viral indicators in municipal wastewater: A comparison between the ISO and the USEPA methods based on a systematic literature review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119579. [PMID: 36640612 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of traditional faecal indicator bacteria as surrogate organisms for pathogenic viruses in domestic wastewater has been noted as a problematic as concentrations and removal rates of bacteria and viruses do not seem to correlate. In this sense, bacteriophages (phages) emerge as potential viral indicators, as they are commonly found in wastewater in high levels, and can be quantified using simple, fast, low-cost methods. Somatic and F-specific coliphages comprise groups of phages commonly used as indicators of water quality. There are two internationally recognised methods to detect and enumerate coliphages in water samples, the International Standardization Organization (ISO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methods. Both methods are based on the lysis of specific bacterial host strains infected by phages. Within this context, this systematic literature review aimed at gathering concentrations in raw and treated domestic wastewater (secondary, biological treatment systems and post-treatment systems), and removal efficiencies of somatic and F-specific coliphages obtained by ISO and USEPA methods, and then compare both methods. A total of 33 research papers were considered in this study. Results showed that the ISO method is more commonly applied than the USEPA method. Some discrepancies in terms of concentrations and removal efficiencies were observed between both methods. Higher removal rates were observed for both somatic and F-specific coliphages in activated sludge systems when using the USEPA method compared to the ISO method; in other secondary (biological) treatment systems, this was observed only for F-specific coliphages. The use of different standardised methods available might lead to difficulties in obtaining and comparing phage data in different conditions and locations. Future research comparing both ISO and USEPA methods as well as viral and bacterial pathogens and indicators in WWTP is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A R Kelmer
- Postgraduate Programme in Civil Engineering (PEC), Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, Campus UFJF. São Pedro, Juiz de Fora - MG, CEP 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Elloís R Ramos
- Environmental and Sanitary Engineering Course, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, Campus UFJF. São Pedro, Juiz de Fora - MG, CEP 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Edgard H O Dias
- Postgraduate Programme in Civil Engineering (PEC), Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, Campus UFJF. São Pedro, Juiz de Fora - MG, CEP 36036-900, Brazil; Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (ESA), Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, Campus UFJF. São Pedro, Juiz de Fora - MG, CEP 36036-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Elois MA, da Silva R, Pilati GVT, Rodríguez-Lázaro D, Fongaro G. Bacteriophages as Biotechnological Tools. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020349. [PMID: 36851563 PMCID: PMC9963553 DOI: 10.3390/v15020349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are ubiquitous organisms that can be specific to one or multiple strains of hosts, in addition to being the most abundant entities on the planet. It is estimated that they exceed ten times the total number of bacteria. They are classified as temperate, which means that phages can integrate their genome into the host genome, originating a prophage that replicates with the host cell and may confer immunity against infection by the same type of phage; and lytics, those with greater biotechnological interest and are viruses that lyse the host cell at the end of its reproductive cycle. When lysogenic, they are capable of disseminating bacterial antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. When professionally lytic-that is, obligately lytic and not recently descended from a temperate ancestor-they become allies in bacterial control in ecological imbalance scenarios; these viruses have a biofilm-reducing capacity. Phage therapy has also been advocated by the scientific community, given the uniqueness of issues related to the control of microorganisms and biofilm production when compared to other commonly used techniques. The advantages of using bacteriophages appear as a viable and promising alternative. This review will provide updates on the landscape of phage applications for the biocontrol of pathogens in industrial settings and healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alves Elois
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Raphael da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Giulia Von Tönnemann Pilati
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - David Rodríguez-Lázaro
- Microbiology Division, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
- Research Centre for Emerging Pathogens and Global Health, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Macedo G, Olesen AK, Maccario L, Hernandez Leal L, v. d. Maas P, Heederik D, Mevius D, Sørensen SJ, Schmitt H. Horizontal Gene Transfer of an IncP1 Plasmid to Soil Bacterial Community Introduced by Escherichia coli through Manure Amendment in Soil Microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11398-11408. [PMID: 35896060 PMCID: PMC9387108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The quantification and identification of new plasmid-acquiring bacteria in representative mating conditions is critical to characterize the risk of horizontal gene transfer in the environment. This study aimed to quantify conjugation events resulting from manure application to soils and identify the transconjugants resulting from these events. Conjugation was quantified at multiple time points by plating and flow cytometry, and the transconjugants were recovered by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Overall, transconjugants were only observed within the first 4 days after manure application and at values close to the detection limits of this experimental system (1.00-2.49 log CFU/g of manured soil, ranging between 10-5 and 10-4 transconjugants-to-donor ratios). In the pool of recovered transconjugants, we found amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of genera whose origin was traced to soils (Bacillus and Nocardioides) and manure (Comamonas and Rahnella). This work showed that gene transfer from fecal to soil bacteria occurred despite the less-than-optimal conditions faced by manure bacteria when transferred to soils, but these events were rare, mainly happened shortly after manure application, and the plasmid did not colonize the soil community. This study provides important information to determine the risks of AMR spread via manure application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Macedo
- Department
of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Asmus K. Olesen
- Department
of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Lorrie Maccario
- Department
of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Lucia Hernandez Leal
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter v. d. Maas
- Van
Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences, Agora 1, 8901 BV Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute
for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dik Mevius
- Department
of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen
Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Søren J. Sørensen
- Department
of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre
for Infectious Disease Control, National
Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|