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da Silva TCB, Chaúque BJM, Benitez GB, Rott MB. Global prevalence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in sewage and sewage-related environments-systematic review with meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:148. [PMID: 38433138 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08164-7] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in sewage-related environments still needs to be systematically documented. This study summarizes the occurrence of FLA in sewage-related environments through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 1983 scientific article were retrieved from different databases, of which 35 were selected and analyzed using a random effects forest plot model with a 95% confidence interval (IC). The pooled overall prevalence of FLA in sewage across 12 countries was 68.96% (95% IC = 58.5-79.42). Subgroup analysis indicates high prevalence in all environments analyzed, including sewage water from the sewage treatment plant (81.19%), treated sewage water (75.57%), sewage-contaminated water (67.70%), sediment contaminated by sewage (48.91%), and sewage water (47.84%). Prevalence values of Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp., and Naegleria spp. are 47.48%, 28.24%, and 16.69%, respectively. Analyzing the species level, the distribution is as follows: Acanthamoeba palestinensis (88%), A. castellanii (23.74%), A. astronyxis (19.18%), A. polyphaga (13.59%), A. culbertsoni (12.5%), A. stevensoni (8.33%), A. tubiashi (4.35%) and A. hatchetti (1.1%), Naegleria fowleri (28.4%), N. gruberi (25%), N. clarki (8.33%), N. australiensis (4.89%) and N. italica (4.29%), Hartmannella/Vermamoeba exundans (40%) and H.V. vermiform (32.61%). Overall, our findings indicate a high risk associated with sewage-related environments, as the prevalence of FLA, including pathogenic strains, is high, even in treated sewage water. The findings of this study may be valuable both for risk remediation actions against amoebic infections and for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Guilherme Brittes Benitez
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Polytechnic School, Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
- Laboratory 520, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, N 2600, Brazil.
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Sousa-Ramos D, Reyes-Batlle M, Bellini NK, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Naegleria australiensis isolated from a wastewater treatment station in Santiago Island, Cape Verde. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:443-450. [PMID: 37338323 PMCID: wh_2023_008 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite the Naegleria genus being isolated from different natural environments such as water, soil, and air, not all Naegleria species are capable of causing infections in humans, and they are capable of completing their life cycle in environmental niches. However, the presence of this genus may suggest the existence of one of the highly pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) species: Naegleria fowleri or the brain-eating amoeba. This facultative parasitic protozoon represents a risk to public health, mainly related to domestic and agricultural waters. In this research, our main objective was to determine the existence of pathogenic protozoa in the Santa Cruz wastewater treatment plant, Santiago Island. Using 5 L of water we confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic Naegleria australiensis, being the first report on Naegleria species in Cape Verde. This fact demonstrates the low efficiency in the treatment of wastewater and, consequently, a potential threat to public health. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed for the prevention and control of possible infections in this Macaronesian country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djeniffer Sousa-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Both authors have contributed equally to this study
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Both authors have contributed equally to this study
| | - Natalia Karla Bellini
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rubén Leocadio Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain
| | - José Enrique Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Andalib S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Niyyati M, Shalileh F, Nemati S, Rouhani S, Zali MR, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Free-living amoebae in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156301. [PMID: 35636544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Free Living Amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous microorganisms reported from harsh environmental conditions. Oil refinery facilities consume vast volumes of water during their processes, generating a large amount of wastewater. The present study aimed to evaluate the wastewater treatment process in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility (ORWWTF) for the presence of FLA. Water samples were collected from an oil refinery wastewater (ORWW) for nine months. After recording physical-chemical features, samples were cultivated onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). The discriminative fragments of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were amplified and sequenced to characterize the isolated FLA. Phylogenetic tree, and network analysis were employed to evaluate genetic relationships. The thermo- and osmotolerant tests were performed on the isolated FLA. Twenty-five (32.9%) samples were positive for FLA cultivation. Acanthamoeba spp., Vahlkampfiids, and Vermamoeba spp. were detected, of which Acanthamoeba species were predominant. There was no statistical correlation between pH, NH3, PO4, H2S, and TDS with the presence of FLA. A statistical correlation between the presence of FLA and the type of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was significant (P-value = 0.011). All Acanthamoeba spp. isolates belonged to the genotypes T4 (17/21; 80.95%) and T11 (4/21; 19.05%). Vahlkampfiids were Naegleria spp., (7/10; 70%), Tetramitus aberdonicus (1/10; 10%), Learamoeba spp., (1/10; 10%), and Vahlkampfia spp., (1/10; 10%). All three Vermamoeba spp. were V. vermiformis. The ORWW contains toxic materials, and a few microorganisms can stay active in these environments. This is the first study which isolates FLA from such super harsh conditions. For the first time, T. aberdonicus, and Learamoeba spp., were isolated from oily wastewater. Our findings signify the concern due to the distribution of potentially pathogenic FLA to downstream lands via treated wastewater that may be released after treatment processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Andalib
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Shalileh
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Nicosia University Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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4
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Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of free-living amoeba (Naegleria and Acanthamoeba) from treated and untreated drinking water. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Dey R, Folkins MA, Ashbolt NJ. Extracellular amoebal-vesicles: potential transmission vehicles for respiratory viruses. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:25. [PMID: 33731696 PMCID: PMC7969602 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute respiratory tract infections in children and immunocompromised adults worldwide. Here we report that amoebae-release respirable-sized vesicles containing high concentrations of infectious RSV that persisted for the duration of the experiment. Given the ubiquity of amoebae in moist environments, our results suggest that extracellular amoebal-vesicles could contribute to the environmental persistence of respiratory viruses, including potential resistance to disinfection processes and thereby offering novel pathways for viral dissemination and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Dey
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Dept. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Melanie A Folkins
- Dept. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Dept. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Ferrús MA, Moreno Y. Determination of the bacterial microbiome of free-living amoebae isolated from wastewater by 16S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:109987. [PMID: 32771367 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa commonly found in water. FLA are well-established hosts for amoeba-resistant bacteria, most of which are pathogenic, and offer them shelter from adverse environmental conditions or water treatments. Since there is very little knowledge about the complete bacterial microbiome of FLA, in this work the bacterial microbiome of FLA isolated from wastewater both after secondary and tertiary treatments was studied by amplicon-based sequencing. FLA were detected in 87.5% and 50.0% of wastewater samples taken after secondary and tertiary disinfection treatments, respectively. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which represented 83.77% of the total bacterial FLA microbiome. The most abundant class of bacteria was Gammaproteobacteria, which contains an important number of relevant pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria of public health concern Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Klebsiella, Legionella, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and Salmonella were detected as part of the FLA microbiome. Although different microbial communities were identified in each sample, there is no correlation between the microbiome of FLA and the extent of wastewater treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first work in which the bacterial microbiome of FLA isolated from wastewater is studied. Obtained results indicate that FLA are hosts of potentially pathogenic bacteria in treated wastewater used for irrigation, which may pose a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - María Antonia Ferrús
- Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Pazoki H, Niyyati M, Javanmard E, Lasjerdi Z, Spotin A, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Isolation of N. philippinensis and N. americana strains from irrigation waters of farmland soils in Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:24568-24573. [PMID: 32342421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) including Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris are among the many waterborne parasites. There is not much known about the possible FLA contamination of the irrigation resources watering crops and agricultural lands in this country. Forty-five water samples were collected from water canals used for irrigation of farmlands and tested for the presence of pathogenic FLA using morphological and molecular-based methodology. The ITS region of Naegleria species was sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was generated to confirm the genetic associations and taxonomic status of the identified Naegleria spp. A total of seven (15.5%) samples were positive for FLA. Molecular analyses identified two strains as N. philippinensis (isolates: PW1 and PW2) isolated from irrigation treated water. One strain showed high homology with N. americana (isolate: PW3). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study to isolate the two strains of N. philippinensis and N. americana from agricultural waters in Iran. The presence of the FLA in irrigation waters should be considered a potential health threat for exposed farmers and other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Pazoki
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Lasjerdi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, CY-2408, Nicosia, Cyprus
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8
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Samba-Louaka A, Delafont V, Rodier MH, Cateau E, Héchard Y. Free-living amoebae and squatters in the wild: ecological and molecular features. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:415-434. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Free-living amoebae are protists frequently found in water and soils. They feed on other microorganisms, mainly bacteria, and digest them through phagocytosis. It is accepted that these amoebae play an important role in the microbial ecology of these environments. There is a renewed interest for the free-living amoebae since the discovery of pathogenic bacteria that can resist phagocytosis and of giant viruses, underlying that amoebae might play a role in the evolution of other microorganisms, including several human pathogens. Recent advances, using molecular methods, allow to bring together new information about free-living amoebae. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly gathered insights into (1) the free-living amoeba diversity, assessed with molecular tools, (2) the gene functions described to decipher the biology of the amoebae and (3) their interactions with other microorganisms in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Vincent Delafont
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Rodier
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
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Caicedo C, Rosenwinkel KH, Exner M, Verstraete W, Suchenwirth R, Hartemann P, Nogueira R. Legionella occurrence in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and risks of reclaimed wastewater reuse: Review. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:21-34. [PMID: 30445393 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as confirmed but until today underestimated sources of Legionella, playing an important role in local and community cases and outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. In general, aerobic biological systems provide an optimum environment for the growth of Legionella due to high organic nitrogen and oxygen concentrations, ideal temperatures and the presence of protozoa. However, few studies have investigated the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs, and many questions in regards to the interacting factors that promote the proliferation and persistence of Legionella in these treatment systems are still unanswered. This critical review summarizes the current knowledge about Legionella in municipal and industrial WWTPs, the conditions that might support their growth, as well as control strategies that have been applied. Furthermore, an overview of current quantification methods, guidelines and health risks associated with Legionella in reclaimed wastewater is also discussed in depth. A better understanding of the conditions promoting the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs will contribute to the development of improved wastewater treatment technologies and/or innovative mitigation approaches to minimize future Legionella outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caicedo
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
| | - K-H Rosenwinkel
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - M Exner
- University of Bonn, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn, Germany
| | - W Verstraete
- Ghent University, CMET, Ghent, and Avecom, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - R Suchenwirth
- Public Health Office of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Hartemann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Environment and Public Health, Nancy University-CHU Nancy, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
| | - R Nogueira
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
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10
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Cui B, Luo J, Jin D, Jin B, Zhuang X, Bai Z. Investigating the bacterial community and amoebae population in rural domestic wastewater reclamation for irrigation. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 70:97-105. [PMID: 30037415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Reclamation of domestic wastewater for agricultural irrigation is viewed as a sustainable option to create an alternative water source and address water scarcity. Free-living amoebae (FLA), which are amphizoic protozoa, are widely distributed in various environmental sources. The FLA could cause considerable environmental and health risks. However, little information is available on the risk of these protozoa. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility using rural domestic wastewater for agricultural irrigation, and analyzed dynamic changes of the microbial community structure and FLA populations in raw and treated wastewater, as well as the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of lettuce production sites that were irrigated with different water sources. The bacterial community dynamics were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). The bacterial community structures in the influent were similar to that in the effluent, while in some cases relative abundances varied significantly. The populations of Acanthamoeba spp. and Hartmannella vermiformis in the anaerobically treated wastewater were significantly higher than in the raw wastewater. The vegetables could harbor diverse amoebae, and the abundances of Acanthamoeba spp. and H. vermiformis in the rhizosphere were significantly higher than in the phyllosphere. Accordingly, our studies show insight into the distribution and dissemination of amoebae in wastewater treatment and irrigation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjian Cui
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jinxue Luo
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Decai Jin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Xuliang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhihui Bai
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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11
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Milanez GD, Masangkay FR, Thomas RC, Ordona MOGO, Bernales GQ, Corpuz VCM, Fortes HSV, Garcia CMS, Nicolas LC, Nissapatorn V. Molecular identification of Vermamoeba vermiformis from freshwater fish in lake Taal, Philippines. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:201-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Moreno Y, Alonso JL, Ferrús MA. Detection of viable Helicobacter pylori inside free-living amoebae in wastewater and drinking water samples from Eastern Spain. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:4103-4112. [PMID: 28707344 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most concerning emerging waterborne pathogens. It has been suggested that it could survive in water inside free-living amoebae (FLA), but nobody has studied this relationship in the environment yet. Thus, we aimed to detect viable H. pylori cells from inside FLA in water samples. Sixty-nine wastewater and 31 drinking water samples were collected. FLA were purified and identified by PCR and sequencing. For exclusively detecting H. pylori inside FLA, samples were exposed to sodium hypochlorite and assayed by specific PMA-qPCR, DVC-FISH and culture. FLA were detected in 38.7% of drinking water and 79.7% of wastewater samples, even after disinfection. In wastewater, Acanthamoeba spp. and members of the family Vahlkampfiidae were identified. In drinking water, Acanthamoeba spp. and Echinamoeba and/or Vermamoeba were present. In 39 (58.2%) FLA-positive samples, H. pylori was detected by PMA-qPCR. After DVC-FISH, 21 (31.3%) samples harboured viable H. pylori internalized cells. H. pylori was cultured from 10 wastewater samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates that H. pylori can survive inside FLA in drinking water and wastewater, strongly supporting the hypothesis that FLA could play an important role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - José Luis Alonso
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - M Antonia Ferrús
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain.,Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
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[Presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in watering trough in La Pampa province, Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2017; 49:227-234. [PMID: 28495034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living Amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus include non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains that are currently classified in 18 different genotypes, T1-T18. In this study, a survey was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba strains inwatering trough sample in La Pampa province, Argentina. Sample were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Polymerase chain reaction was performed with genus-specific primers JDP1/JDP2, followed by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction product for molecular identification. Sequencing results revealed the presence of T4, T5 and T15 genotypes within the studied samples. Sequencing revealed presence of T4, T5 and T15 in the samples studied genotypes, the most frequent T4. Our study reveals importance of the presence of Acanthamoeba in the livestock environment and the need for further studies to associate the presence of these organisms and the role in veterinary pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the presence Acanthamoeba in La Pampa province and the first study at the genotype level in Argentina.
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Plutzer J, Karanis P. Neglected waterborne parasitic protozoa and their detection in water. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 101:318-332. [PMID: 27281375 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Outbreak incidents raise the question of whether the less frequent aetiological agents of outbreaks are really less frequent in water. Alternatively, waterborne transmission could be relevant, but the lack of attention and rapid, sensitive methods to recover and detect the exogenous stages in water may keep them under-recognized. High quality information on the prevalence and detection of less frequent waterborne protozoa, such as Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora belli, Balantidium coli, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and other free-living amoebae (FLA), are not available. This present paper discusses the detection tools applied for the water surveillance of the neglected waterborne protozoa mentioned above and provides future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Plutzer
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China; National Public Health Center, National Directorate of Environmental Health, Environmental Health Testing Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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15
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Caicedo C, Beutel S, Scheper T, Rosenwinkel KH, Nogueira R. Occurrence of Legionella in wastewater treatment plants linked to wastewater characteristics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:16873-16881. [PMID: 27376367 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the occurrence of Legionella in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) has often been reported. However, until now there is limited knowledge about the factors that promote Legionella's growth in such systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical wastewater parameters that might be correlated to the concentration of Legionella spp. in WWTP receiving industrial effluents. For this purpose, samples were collected at different processes in three WWTP. In 100 % of the samples taken from the activated sludge tanks Legionella spp. were detected at varying concentrations (4.8 to 5.6 log GU/mL) by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method, but not by the culture method. Statistical analysis with various parameters yielded positive correlations of Legionella spp. concentration with particulate chemical oxygen demand, Kjeldahl nitrogen and protein concentration. Amino acids were quantified in wastewater and activated sludge samples at concentrations that may not support the growth of Legionella, suggesting that in activated sludge tanks this bacterium multiplied in protozoan hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caicedo
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz University Hannover, Welfengarten 1, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - S Beutel
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - T Scheper
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - K H Rosenwinkel
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz University Hannover, Welfengarten 1, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - R Nogueira
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz University Hannover, Welfengarten 1, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
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Mosteo R, Goñi P, Miguel N, Abadías J, Valero P, Ormad MP. Bioaccumulation of pathogenic bacteria and amoeba by zebra mussels and their presence in watercourses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:1833-1840. [PMID: 26400243 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dreissena polymorpha (the zebra mussel) has been invading freshwater bodies in Europe since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Filter-feeding organisms can accumulate and concentrate both chemical and biological contaminants in their tissues. Therefore, zebra mussels are recognized as indicators of freshwater quality. In this work, the capacity of the zebra mussel to accumulate human pathogenic bacteria and protozoa has been evaluated and the sanitary risk associated with their presence in surface water has also been assessed. The results show a good correlation between the pathogenic bacteria concentration in zebra mussels and in watercourses. Zebra mussels could therefore be used as an indicator of biological contamination. The bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp.) and parasites (Cryptosporidium oocysts and free-living amoebae) detected in these mussels reflect a potential sanitary risk in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mosteo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technologies, EINA, University of Zaragoza, C/María Luna, 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - P Goñi
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - N Miguel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technologies, EINA, University of Zaragoza, C/María Luna, 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Abadías
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technologies, EINA, University of Zaragoza, C/María Luna, 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - P Valero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technologies, EINA, University of Zaragoza, C/María Luna, 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M P Ormad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technologies, EINA, University of Zaragoza, C/María Luna, 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
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Detection of free-living amoebae using amoebal enrichment in a wastewater treatment plant of Gauteng Province, South Africa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:575297. [PMID: 25530964 PMCID: PMC4235756 DOI: 10.1155/2014/575297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae pose a potential health risk in water systems as they may be pathogenic and harbor potential pathogenic bacteria known as amoebae resistant bacteria. Free-living amoebae were observed in 150 (87.2%) of the environmental water samples. In particular, Acanthamoeba sp. was identified in 22 (12.8%) using amoebal enrichment and confirmed by molecular analysis. FLA were isolated in all 8 stages of the wastewater treatment plant using the amoebal enrichment technique. A total of 16 (9.3%) samples were positive for FLA from influent, 20 (11.6%) from bioreactor feed, 16 (9.3%) from anaerobic zone, 16 (9.3%) from anoxic zone, 32 (18.6%) from aerators, 16 (9.3%) from bioreactor effluent, 11 (6.4%) from bioreactor final effluent, and 45 (26.2%) from maturation pond. This study provides baseline information on the occurrence of amoebae in wastewater treatment plant. This has health implications on receiving water bodies as some FLA are pathogenic and are also involved in the transmission and dissemination of pathogenic bacteria.
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Isolation and characterization of Acanthamoeba strains from soil samples in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1383-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Goñi P, Fernández MT, Rubio E. Identifying endosymbiont bacteria associated with free-living amoebae. Environ Microbiol 2014; 16:339-49. [PMID: 24422686 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The association between free-living amoebae and pathogenic bacteria is an issue that has gained great importance due to the environmental and health consequences that it implies. In this paper, we analyse the techniques to follow an epidemiological study to identify associations between genera, species, genotypes and subgenotypes of amoebae with pathogenic bacteria, analysing their evolution and considering their usefulness. In this sense, we highlight the combination of microscopic and molecular techniques as the most appropriate way to obtain fully reliable results as well as the need to achieve the standardization of these techniques to allow the comparison of both environmental and clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Goñi
- Area of Parasitology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Garcia A, Goñi P, Cieloszyk J, Fernandez MT, Calvo-Beguería L, Rubio E, Fillat MF, Peleato ML, Clavel A. Identification of free-living amoebae and amoeba-associated bacteria from reservoirs and water treatment plants by molecular techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:3132-3140. [PMID: 23444840 DOI: 10.1021/es400160k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) was investigated in 83 water samples from reservoirs and water treatment plants, with culture positive in 64 of them (77.1%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of partial 18S rRNA gene and ITS region was performed in order to identify amoeba isolates, and the presence of Legionella pneumophila , Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Microcystis aeruginosa was investigated in 43 isolates of amoebae by multiplex PCR. Of the isolated amoebae, 31 were Acanthamoeba spp., 21 were Hartmannella vermiformis, 13 were Naegleria spp., and one was Vanella spp. T2, T4, and T5 genotypes of Acanthamoeba have been identified, and T4 isolates were grouped into five subgenotypes and graphically represented with a Weblog application. Inside amoebae, L. pneumophila was detected in 13.9% (6/43) of the isolates, and Pseudomonas spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were detected in 32.6% (14/43) and 41.9% (18/43), respectively. No statistical correlation was demonstrated between FLA isolation and seasonality, but the presence of intracellular bacteria was associated with warm water temperatures, and also the intracellular presence of Mycobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were associated. These results highlight the importance of amoebae in natural waters as reservoirs of potential pathogens and its possible role in the spread of bacterial genera with interest in public and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Garcia
- Area of Parasitology and §Area of Biomedicine and Public Health Biostatistics, Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Calvo L, Gregorio I, García A, Fernández MT, Goñi P, Clavel A, Peleato ML, Fillat MF. A new pentaplex-nested PCR to detect five pathogenic bacteria in free living amoebae. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:493-502. [PMID: 23168310 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Changes in water use and anthropogenic activity have major impacts on the quality of natural aquatic ecosystems, water distribution and wastewater plants. One of the main problems is the presence of some pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to disinfection procedures when they are hosted by free living amoeba and that in many cases are hardly detectable by culture-based procedures. In this work we report a sensitive, low-cost procedure consisting of a pentaplex-nested PCR that allows simultaneous detection of Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., Vibrio cholerae and the microcystin-producing cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. The method has been used to detect the presence of these pathogenic bacteria in water and inside free living amoeba. Its validation in 72 samples obtained from different water sources from Aragon (Spain) evidences that Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas spp are prevailing as amoeba-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Calvo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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