1
|
Rehm C, Kolm C, Pleininger S, Heger F, Indra A, Reischer GH, Farnleitner AAH, Kirschner AKT. Vibrio cholerae-An emerging pathogen in Austrian bathing waters? Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:597-608. [PMID: 37530997 PMCID: PMC10651712 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02241-0] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae, an important human pathogen, is naturally occurring in specific aquatic ecosystems. With very few exceptions, only the cholera-toxigenic strains belonging to the serogroups O1 and O139 are responsible for severe cholera outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential. All other nontoxigenic, non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae (NTVC) strains may cause various other diseases, such as mild to severe infections of the ears, of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts as well as wound and bloodstream infections. Older, immunocompromised people and patients with specific preconditions have an elevated risk. In recent years, worldwide reports demonstrated that NTVC infections are on the rise, caused amongst others by elevated water temperatures due to global warming.The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge gained during the past two decades on V. cholerae infections and its occurrence in bathing waters in Austria, with a special focus on the lake Neusiedler See. We investigated whether NTVC infections have increased and which specific environmental conditions favor the occurrence of NTVC. We present an overview of state of the art methods that are currently available for clinical and environmental diagnostics. A preliminary public health risk assessment concerning NTVC infections related to the Neusiedler See was established. In order to raise awareness of healthcare professionals for NTVC infections, typical symptoms, possible treatment options and the antibiotic resistance status of Austrian NTVC isolates are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rehm
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl-Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health
| | - Claudia Kolm
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl-Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Pleininger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Reference Centre for Vibrio cholerae, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Heger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Reference Centre for Vibrio cholerae, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Reference Centre for Vibrio cholerae, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg H Reischer
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas A H Farnleitner
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl-Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander K T Kirschner
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl-Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria.
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health, .
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao D, Ali A, Zuck C, Uy L, Morris JG, Wong ACN. Vibrio cholerae Invasion Dynamics of the Chironomid Host Are Strongly Influenced by Aquatic Cell Density and Can Vary by Strain. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0265222. [PMID: 37074192 PMCID: PMC10269514 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02652-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholera has been a human scourge since the early 1800s and remains a global public health challenge, caused by the toxigenic strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In its aquatic reservoirs, V. cholerae has been shown to live in association with various arthropod hosts, including the chironomids, a diverse insect family commonly found in wet and semiwet habitats. The association between V. cholerae and chironomids may shield the bacterium from environmental stressors and amplify its dissemination. However, the interaction dynamics between V. cholerae and chironomids remain largely unknown. In this study, we developed freshwater microcosms with chironomid larvae to test the effects of cell density and strain on V. cholerae-chironomid interactions. Our results show that chironomid larvae can be exposed to V. cholerae up to a high inoculation dose (109 cells/mL) without observable detrimental effects. Meanwhile, interstrain variability in host invasion, including prevalence, bacterial load, and effects on host survival, was highly cell density-dependent. Microbiome analysis of the chironomid samples by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a general effect of V. cholerae exposure on microbiome species evenness. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into V. cholerae invasion dynamics of the chironomid larvae with respect to various doses and strains. The findings suggest that aquatic cell density is a crucial driver of V. cholerae invasion success in chironomid larvae and pave the way for future work examining the effects of a broader dose range and environmental variables (e.g., temperature) on V. cholerae-chironomid interactions. IMPORTANCE Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, a significant diarrheal disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that the environmental facets of the V. cholerae life cycle involve symbiotic associations with aquatic arthropods, which may facilitate its environmental persistence and dissemination. However, the dynamics of interactions between V. cholerae and aquatic arthropods remain unexplored. This study capitalized on using freshwater microcosms with chironomid larvae to investigate the effects of bacterial cell density and strain on V. cholerae-chironomid interactions. Our results suggest that aquatic cell density is the primary determinant of V. cholerae invasion success in chironomid larvae, while interstrain variability in invasion outcomes can be observed under specific cell density conditions. We also determined that V. cholerae exposure generally reduces species evenness of the chironomid-associated microbiome. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into V. cholerae-arthropod interactions using a newly developed experimental host system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dianshu Zhao
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Afsar Ali
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Cameron Zuck
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Laurice Uy
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - J. Glenn Morris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Adam Chun-Nin Wong
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nasreen T, Hussain NA, Ho JY, Aw VZJ, Alam M, Yanow SK, Boucher YF. Assay for Evaluating the Abundance of Vibrio cholerae and Its O1 Serogroup Subpopulation from Water without DNA Extraction. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030363. [PMID: 35335687 PMCID: PMC8953119 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, a natural inhabitant of brackish water. Effective control of cholera outbreaks depends on prompt detection of the pathogen from clinical specimens and tracking its source in the environment. Although the epidemiology of cholera is well studied, rapid detection of V. cholerae remains a challenge, and data on its abundance in environmental sources are limited. Here, we describe a sensitive molecular quantification assay by qPCR, which can be used on-site in low-resource settings on water without the need for DNA extraction. This newly optimized method exhibited 100% specificity for total V. cholerae as well as V. cholerae O1 and allowed detection of as few as three target CFU per reaction. The limit of detection is as low as 5 × 103 CFU/L of water after concentrating biomass from the sample. The ability to perform qPCR on water samples without DNA extraction, portable features of the equipment, stability of the reagents at 4 °C and user-friendly online software facilitate fast quantitative analysis of V. cholerae. These characteristics make this assay extremely useful for field research in resource-poor settings and could support continuous monitoring in cholera-endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Nasreen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (T.N.); (N.A.S.H.)
| | - Nora A.S. Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (T.N.); (N.A.S.H.)
| | - Jia Yee Ho
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (J.Y.H.); (V.Z.J.A.)
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Zhi Jie Aw
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (J.Y.H.); (V.Z.J.A.)
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Munirul Alam
- Centre for Communicable Diseases, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
| | - Stephanie K. Yanow
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada;
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yann F. Boucher
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (J.Y.H.); (V.Z.J.A.)
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ogayar E, Larrañaga I, Lomba A, Kaberdin VR, Arana I, Orruño M. Efficiency and specificity of CARD-FISH probes in detection of marine vibrios. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:928-933. [PMID: 34658169 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio is a bacterial genus widely distributed in natural aquatic systems. Some Vibrio species can cause severe diseases in both marine organisms and humans. Previous studies revealed a link between the current climate change and increased incidence of the Vibrio-associated diseases recently causing sanitary, economic and/or ecological problems worldwide. The conventional culture-based methods (e.g. selection on TCBS agar) used to monitor the presence of Vibrio spp. in environmental samples are not always straightforward and can underestimate the number of cells, especially in microbial populations containing a fraction of 'dormant' cells (e.g. cells in the Viable but Non Culturable [VBNC] state). This problem can be overcome by using alternative culture-free approaches such as Catalysed Reporter Deposition-Fluorescence In situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH). To select an efficient CARD-FISH probe for detection of Vibrio spp. in environmental samples, we have assessed the most promising probes described in the literature by using both computer-assisted and experimental approaches. Our results demonstrate that the use of the optimized protocol along with a very specific probe, ViB572a, can offer the high sensitivity and selectivity of CARD-FISH detection of marine vibrios in natural seawater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elixabet Ogayar
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
| | - Irene Larrañaga
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
| | - Ana Lomba
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
| | - Vladimir R Kaberdin
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE-UPV/EHU), Plentzia, 48620, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
| | - Inés Arana
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE-UPV/EHU), Plentzia, 48620, Spain
| | - Maite Orruño
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48340, Spain
- Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE-UPV/EHU), Plentzia, 48620, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The role of biofilm in the development and dissemination of ubiquitous pathogens in drinking water distribution systems: an overview of surveillance, outbreaks, and prevention. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:36. [PMID: 33507414 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A variety of pathogenic microorganisms can survive in the drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) by forming stable biofilms and, thus, continually disseminating their population through the system's dynamic water bodies. The ingestion of the pathogen-contaminated water could trigger a broad spectrum of illnesses and well-being-related obstacles. These waterborne diseases are a significant concern for babies, pregnant women, and significantly low-immune individuals. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the microbiological aspects of drinking water quality, biofilm formation and its dynamics, health issues caused by the emerging microbes in biofilm, and approaches for biofilm investigation its prevention and suppression in DWDS.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gallego-Hernandez AL, DePas WH, Park JH, Teschler JK, Hartmann R, Jeckel H, Drescher K, Beyhan S, Newman DK, Yildiz FH. Upregulation of virulence genes promotes Vibrio cholerae biofilm hyperinfectivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11010-11017. [PMID: 32355001 PMCID: PMC7245069 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916571117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae remains a major global health threat, disproportionately impacting parts of the world without adequate infrastructure and sanitation resources. In aquatic environments, V. cholerae exists both as planktonic cells and as biofilms, which are held together by an extracellular matrix. V. cholerae biofilms have been shown to be hyperinfective, but the mechanism of hyperinfectivity is unclear. Here we show that biofilm-grown cells, irrespective of the surfaces on which they are formed, are able to markedly outcompete planktonic-grown cells in the infant mouse. Using an imaging technique designed to render intestinal tissue optically transparent and preserve the spatial integrity of infected intestines, we reveal and compare three-dimensional V. cholerae colonization patterns of planktonic-grown and biofilm-grown cells. Quantitative image analyses show that V. cholerae colonizes mainly the medial portion of the small intestine and that both the abundance and localization patterns of biofilm-grown cells differ from that of planktonic-grown cells. In vitro biofilm-grown cells activate expression of the virulence cascade, including the toxin coregulated pilus (TCP), and are able to acquire the cholera toxin-carrying CTXФ phage. Overall, virulence factor gene expression is also higher in vivo when infected with biofilm-grown cells, and modulation of their regulation is sufficient to cause the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype. Together, these results indicate that the altered biogeography of biofilm-grown cells and their enhanced production of virulence factors in the intestine underpin the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Gallego-Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - W H DePas
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - J H Park
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - J K Teschler
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - R Hartmann
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - H Jeckel
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - K Drescher
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - S Beyhan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - D K Newman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125.;
| | - F H Yildiz
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kirschner AKT, Pleininger S, Jakwerth S, Rehak S, Farnleitner AH, Huhulescu S, Indra A. Application of three different methods to determine the prevalence, the abundance and the environmental drivers of culturable Vibrio cholerae in fresh and brackish bathing waters. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:1186-1198. [PMID: 29856502 PMCID: PMC6175421 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aims Three cultivation methods were used to study the prevalence and abundance of Vibrio cholerae in Eastern Austrian bathing waters and to elucidate the main factors controlling their distribution. Methods and Results Vibrio cholerae abundance was monitored at 36 inland bathing sites with membrane filtration (MF), a standard most probable number (MPN) approach and direct plating (DP). Membrane filtration yielded the most reliable and sensitive results and allowed V. cholerae detection at 22 sites with concentrations up to 39 000 CFU per 100 ml, all belonging to serogroups other than O1 and O139 and not coding for cholera toxin and toxin coregulated pilus. Direct plating turned out as an easy method for environments with high V. cholerae abundances, conductivity was the only significant predictor of V. cholerae abundance in the bathing waters at warm water temperatures. Conclusions Vibrio cholerae nonO1/nonO139 are widely prevalent in Eastern Austrian bathing waters. Instead of the standard MPN approach, MF and DP are recommended for V. cholerae monitoring. Conductivity can be used as a first easy‐to‐measure parameter to identify potential bathing waters at risk. Significance and Impact of the Study Vibrio cholerae nonO1/nonO139 infections associated with bathing activities are an increasing public health issue in many countries of the northern hemisphere. However, there are only limited data available on the prevalence and abundance of V. cholerae in coastal and inland bathing waters. For monitoring V. cholerae prevalence and abundance, reliable and simple quantification methods are needed. Moreover, prediction of V. cholerae abundance from environmental parameters would be a helpful tool for risk assessment. This study identified the best culture‐based quantification methods and a first quick surrogate parameter to attain these aims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A K T Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria.,Research Department Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - S Pleininger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Jakwerth
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Rehak
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - A H Farnleitner
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Research Department Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - S Huhulescu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bliem R, Reischer G, Linke R, Farnleitner A, Kirschner A. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae in Turbid Alkaline Lakes as Determined by Quantitative PCR. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e00317-18. [PMID: 29625977 PMCID: PMC5960970 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00317-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, global warming has led to a growing number of Vibrio cholerae infections in bathing water users in regions formerly unaffected by this pathogen. It is therefore of high importance to monitor V. cholerae in aquatic environments and to elucidate the main factors governing its prevalence and abundance. For this purpose, rapid and standardizable methods that can be performed by routine water laboratories are prerequisite. In this study, we applied a recently developed multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) strategy (i) to monitor the spatiotemporal variability of V. cholerae abundance in two small soda pools and a large lake that is intensively used for recreation and (ii) to elucidate the main factors driving V. cholerae dynamics in these environments. V. cholerae was detected with qPCR at high concentrations of up to 970,000 genomic units 100 ml-1 during the warm season, up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than values obtained by cultivation. An independent cytometric approach led to results comparable to qPCR data but with significantly more positive samples due to problems with DNA recovery for qPCR. Not a single sample was positive for toxigenic V. cholerae, indicating that only nontoxigenic V. cholerae (NTVC) was present. Temperature was the main predictor of NTVC abundance, but the quality and quantity of dissolved organic matter were also important environmental correlates. Based on this study, we recommend using the developed qPCR strategy for quantification of toxigenic and nontoxigenic V. cholerae in bathing waters with the need for improvements in DNA recovery.IMPORTANCE There is a definitive need for rapid and standardizable methods to quantify waterborne bacterial pathogens. Such methods have to be thoroughly tested for their applicability to environmental samples. In this study, we critically tested a recently developed multiplex qPCR strategy for its applicability to determine the spatiotemporal variability of V. cholerae abundance in lakes with a challenging water matrix. Several qPCR protocols for V. cholerae detection have been developed in the laboratory, but comprehensive studies on the application to environmental samples are extremely scarce. In our study, we demonstrate that our developed qPCR approach is a valuable tool but that there is a need for improvement in DNA recovery for complex water matrices. Furthermore, we found that nontoxigenic V. cholerae is present in very high numbers in the investigated ecosystems, while toxigenic V. cholerae is apparently absent. Such information is of importance for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Bliem
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Armament and Defence Technology Agency, NBC & Environmental Protection Technology Division, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Reischer
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
| | - Rita Linke
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
| | - Andreas Farnleitner
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shin WR, Sekhon SS, Rhee SK, Ko JH, Ahn JY, Min J, Kim YH. Aptamer-Based Paper Strip Sensor for Detecting Vibrio fischeri. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2018; 20:261-268. [PMID: 29553704 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.7b00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aptamer-based paper strip sensor for detecting Vibrio fischeri was developed. Our method was based on the aptamer sandwich assay between whole live cells, V. fischeri and DNA aptamer probes. Following 9 rounds of Cell-SELEX and one of the negative-SELEX, V. fischeri Cell Aptamer (VFCA)-02 and -03 were isolated, with the former showing approximately 10-fold greater avidity (in the subnanomolar range) for the target cells when arrayed on a surface. The colorimetric response of a paper sensor based on VFCA-02 was linear in the range of 4 × 101 to 4 × 105 CFU/mL of target cell by using scanning reader. The linear regression correlation coefficient ( R2) was 0.9809. This system shows promise for use in aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticle probes in paper strip format for in-field detection of marine bioindicating bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ri Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Simranjeet Singh Sekhon
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Sung-Keun Rhee
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Jung Ho Ko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona California 91766, United States
| | - Ji-Young Ahn
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Jiho Min
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-Gu Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, South Korea
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Girard L, Peuchet S, Servais P, Henry A, Charni-Ben-Tabassi N, Baudart J. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Total Viable Vibrio spp. in a NW Mediterranean Coastal Area. Microbes Environ 2017; 32:210-218. [PMID: 28724850 PMCID: PMC5606690 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me17028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A cellular approach combining Direct Viable Counting and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization using a one-step multiple-probe technique and Solid Phase Cytometry (DVC-FISH-SPC) was developed to monitor total viable vibrios and cover the detection of a large diversity of vibrios. FISH combined three probes in the same assay and targeted sequences located at different positions on the 16S rRNA of Vibrio and Aliivibrio members. We performed a 10-month in situ study to investigate the weekly dynamics of viable vibrios relative to culturable counts at two northwestern Mediterranean coastal sites, and identified the key physicochemical factors for their occurrence in water using a multivariate analysis. Total viable and culturable cell counts showed the same temporal pattern during the warmer season, whereas the ratios between both methods were inverted during the colder seasons (<15°C), indicating that some of the vibrio community had entered into a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. We confirmed that Seawater Surface Temperature explained 51–62% of the total variance in culturable counts, and also showed that the occurrence of viable vibrios is controlled by two variables, pheopigment (15%) and phosphate (12%) concentrations, suggesting that other unidentified factors play a role in maintaining viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Girard
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes (LBBM), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls sur mer, F-66650 Banyuls sur Mer
| | - Sébastien Peuchet
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes (LBBM), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls sur mer, F-66650 Banyuls sur Mer
| | - Pierre Servais
- Ecologie des Systèmes Aquatiques, Université Libre de Bruxelles
| | | | | | - Julia Baudart
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes (LBBM), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls sur mer, F-66650 Banyuls sur Mer
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guerrero-Mendiola C, García-Trejo JJ, Encalada R, Saavedra E, Ramírez-Silva L. The contribution of two isozymes to the pyruvate kinase activity of Vibrio cholerae: One K+-dependent constitutively active and another K+-independent with essential allosteric activation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178673. [PMID: 28686591 PMCID: PMC5501398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous phylogenetic study of the family of pyruvate kinase EC (2.7.1.40), a cluster with Glu117 and another with Lys117 were found (numbered according to the rabbit muscle enzyme). The sequences with Glu117 have been found to be K+-dependent, whereas those with Lys117 were K+-independent. Interestingly, only γ-proteobacteria exhibit sequences in both branches of the tree. In this context, it was explored whether these phylogenetically distinct pyruvate kinases were both expressed and contribute to the pyruvate kinase activity in Vibrio cholerae. The main findings of this work showed that the isozyme with Glu117 is an active K+-dependent enzyme. At the same substrate concentration, its Vmax in the absence of fructose 1,6 bisphosphate was 80% of that with its effector. This result is in accordance with the non-essential activation described by allosteric ligands for most pyruvate kinases. In contrast, the pyruvate kinase with Lys117 was a K+-independent enzyme displaying an allosteric activation by ribose 5-phosphate. At the same substrate concentration, its activity without the effector was 0.5% of the one obtained in the presence of ribose 5-phosphate, indicating that this sugar monophosphate is a strong activator of this enzyme. This absolute allosteric dependence is a novel feature of pyruvate kinase activity. Interestingly, in the K+-independent enzyme, Mn2+ may "mimic" the allosteric effect of Rib 5-P. Despite their different allosteric behavior, both isozymes display a rapid equilibrium random order kinetic mechanism. The intracellular concentrations of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and ribose 5-phosphate in Vibrio cholerae have been experimentally verified to be sufficient to induce maximal activation of both enzymes. In addition, Western blot analysis indicated that both enzymes were co-expressed. Therefore, it is concluded that VcIPK and VcIIPK contribute to the activity of pyruvate kinase in this γ-proteobacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Guerrero-Mendiola
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José J. García-Trejo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rusely Encalada
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Emma Saavedra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Leticia Ramírez-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Molecular Techniques for the Detection of Organisms in Aquatic Environments, with Emphasis on Harmful Algal Bloom Species. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17051184. [PMID: 28531156 PMCID: PMC5470929 DOI: 10.3390/s17051184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Molecular techniques to detect organisms in aquatic ecosystems are being gradually considered as an attractive alternative to standard laboratory methods. They offer faster and more accurate means of detecting and monitoring species, with respect to their traditional homologues based on culture and microscopic counting. Molecular techniques are particularly attractive when multiple species need to be detected and/or are in very low abundance. This paper reviews molecular techniques based on whole cells, such as microscope-based enumeration and Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) and molecular cell-free formats, such as sandwich hybridization assay (SHA), biosensors, microarrays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and real time PCR (RT-PCR). Those that combine one or several laboratory functions into a single integrated system (lab-on-a-chip) and techniques that generate a much higher throughput data, such as next-generation systems (NGS), were also reviewed. We also included some other approaches that enhance the performance of molecular techniques. For instance, nano-bioengineered probes and platforms, pre-concentration and magnetic separation systems, and solid-phase hybridization offer highly pre-concentration capabilities. Isothermal amplification and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) improve hybridization and amplification techniques. Finally, we presented a study case of field remote sensing of harmful algal blooms (HABs), the only example of real time monitoring, and close the discussion with future directions and concluding remarks.
Collapse
|
13
|
Frickmann H, Zautner AE, Moter A, Kikhney J, Hagen RM, Stender H, Poppert S. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the microbiological diagnostic routine laboratory: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 43:263-293. [PMID: 28129707 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2016.1169990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Early identification of microbial pathogens is essential for rational and conservative antibiotic use especially in the case of known regional resistance patterns. Here, we describe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as one of the rapid methods for easy identification of microbial pathogens, and its advantages and disadvantages for the diagnosis of pathogens in human infections in the laboratory diagnostic routine. Binding of short fluorescence-labeled DNA or nucleic acid-mimicking PNA probes to ribosomes of infectious agents with consecutive analysis by fluorescence microscopy allows identification of bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens at genus or species level. FISH analysis leads to immediate differentiation of infectious agents without delay due to the need for microbial culture. As a microscopic technique, FISH has the unique potential to provide information about spatial resolution, morphology and identification of key pathogens in mixed species samples. On-going automation and commercialization of the FISH procedure has led to significant shortening of the time-to-result and increased test reliability. FISH is a useful tool for the rapid initial identification of microbial pathogens, even from primary materials. Among the rapidly developing alternative techniques, FISH serves as a bridging technology between microscopy, microbial culture, biochemical identification and molecular diagnostic procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- a German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Andreas Erich Zautner
- b Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Annette Moter
- c University Medical Center Berlin, Biofilmcenter at the German Heart Institute Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Judith Kikhney
- c University Medical Center Berlin, Biofilmcenter at the German Heart Institute Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- a German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute , Hamburg , Germany
| | | | - Sven Poppert
- e Institute for Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen , Giessen , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pretzer C, Druzhinina IS, Amaro C, Benediktsdóttir E, Hedenström I, Hervio-Heath D, Huhulescu S, Schets FM, Farnleitner AH, Kirschner AKT. High genetic diversity of Vibrio cholerae in the European lake Neusiedler See is associated with intensive recombination in the reed habitat and the long-distance transfer of strains. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:328-344. [PMID: 27871138 PMCID: PMC5718291 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coastal marine Vibrio cholerae populations usually exhibit high genetic diversity. To assess the genetic diversity of abundant V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 populations in the Central European lake Neusiedler See, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on recA, toxR, gyrB and pyrH loci sequenced for 472 strains. The strains were isolated from three ecologically different habitats in a lake that is a hot-spot of migrating birds and an important bathing water. We also analyzed 76 environmental and human V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates from Austria and other European countries and added sequences of seven genome-sequenced strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the lake supports a unique endemic diversity of V. cholerae that is particularly rich in the reed stand. Phylogenetic trees revealed that many V. cholerae isolates from European countries were genetically related to the strains present in the lake belonging to statistically supported monophyletic clades. We hypothesize that the observed phenomena can be explained by the high degree of genetic recombination that is particularly intensive in the reed stand, acting along with the long distance transfer of strains most probably via birds and/or humans. Thus, the Neusiedler See may serve as a bioreactor for the appearance of new strains with new (pathogenic) properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Pretzer
- Medical University Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina S Druzhinina
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Amaro
- ERI BioTecMed University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Benediktsdóttir
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | | | - Franciska M Schets
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, (www.waterandhealth.at), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander K T Kirschner
- Medical University Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, (www.waterandhealth.at), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rashid MU, George CM, Monira S, Mahmud T, Rahman Z, Mustafiz M, Saif-Ur-Rahman KM, Parvin T, Bhuyian SI, Zohura F, Begum F, Biswas SK, Akhter S, Zhang X, Sack D, Sack RB, Alam M. Chlorination of Household Drinking Water Among Cholera Patients' Households to Prevent Transmission of Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in Dhaka, Bangladesh: CHoBI7 Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1299-1304. [PMID: 27698273 PMCID: PMC5154443 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Household members of cholera patients are at a 100 times higher risk of cholera infections than the general population because of shared contaminated drinking water sources and secondary transmission through poor household hygiene practices. In this study, we investigated the bactericidal concentration of free chlorine required to inactivate Vibrio cholerae in household drinking water in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In laboratory experiments, we found that the concentrations of free chlorine required to inactivate 105 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 were 0.1 mg/L and 0.2 mg/L, respectively. The concentration of free chlorine generated by a single chlorine tablet (sodium dichloroisocyanurate [33 mg]) after a 30-minute reaction time in a 10-L sealed vessel containing Dhaka city municipal supply water was 1.8 mg/L; and the concentration declined to 0.26 mg/L after 24 hours. In field measurements, water collected from 165 households enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a chlorine and handwashing with soap intervention (Cholera-Hospital-Based-Intervention-for-7-Days [CHoBI7]), we observed significantly higher free chlorine concentrations in the 82 intervention arm households (mean = 1.12 mg/L, standard deviation [SD] = 0.52, range = 0.07-2.6 mg/L) compared with the 83 control households (0.017 mg/L, SD = 0.01, range = 0-0.06 mg/L) (P < 0.001) during spot check visits. These findings suggest that point-of-use chlorine tablets present an effective approach to inactivate V. cholerae from drinking water in households of cholera patients in Dhaka city. This result is consistent with the findings from the RCT of CHoBI7 which found that this intervention led to a significant reduction in symptomatic cholera infections among household members of cholera patients and no stored drinking water samples with detectable V. cholerae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-Ur Rashid
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shirajum Monira
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Toslim Mahmud
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zillur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Munshi Mustafiz
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K M Saif-Ur-Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Parvin
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sazzadul Islam Bhuyian
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Zohura
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Farzana Begum
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shwapon Kumar Biswas
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shamima Akhter
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Xiaotong Zhang
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Bradley Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Munirul Alam
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rohde A, Hammerl JA, Al Dahouk S. Detection of foodborne bacterial zoonoses by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
17
|
Hybridoma as a specific, sensitive, and ready to use sensing element: a rapid fluorescence assay for detection of Vibrio cholerae O1. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:6443-51. [PMID: 27438715 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9762-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, isolation and purification of monoclonal antibodies, for diagnostic analysis, have been carried out using the hybridoma expression system. The present study describes a novel example of a detection system using hybridoma cells containing antibody against O1 antigen directly for V. cholerae diagnosis, which is a major health problem in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. This method has advantages such as simplicity, ease of process, and it does not require manipulation of hybridoma cell. For this approach, an efficient amount of fluorescence calcium indicator, fura 2-AM, was utilized, which emitted light when the intracellular calcium concentration increased as result of antigen binding to specific antibody. More reliable results are obtained via this method and it is considerably faster than other methods, which has the response time of less than 45 s for detection of V. Cholerae O1. Also, the limit of detection was computed to be 50 CFU/mL (<13 CFU per assay). In addition, no significant responses were observed in the presence of other bacteria with specific hybridoma or other cell lines exposed to V. cholerae O1. Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to V. cholerae O1 detection in spiked environmental samples, including water and stool samples without any pretreatment. All results reveal that hybridoma cells can provide a valuable, simple, and ready to use tool for rapid detection of other pathogenic bacteria, toxins, and analytes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hirk S, Huhulescu S, Allerberger F, Lepuschitz S, Rehak S, Weil S, Gschwandtner E, Hermann M, Neuhold S, Zoufaly A, Indra A. Necrotizing fasciitis due to Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 after exposure to Austrian bathing sites. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2016; 128:141-5. [PMID: 26825075 PMCID: PMC4771811 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-015-0944-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We report on two cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg due to nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae). A 73-year-old woman (case 1) and an 80-year-old man (case 2) were hospitalized with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis on July 18 and August 15, 2015, respectively. In both cases, symptoms started the day after swimming in local ponds. Swabs gained intraoperatively and a blood culture from the male patient, yielded V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139, negative for cholera toxin gene ctx and positive for hemolysin genes hlyA and hlyB. Water samples taken from pond A on August 17, 2015 (32 days after exposure of case 1) and from pond B on August 20, 2015 (7 days after exposure of case 2) yielded non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae in most-probable numbers of > 11,000 per 100 ml each. The occurrence of two cases of necrotizing fasciitis within a 1 month period related to two Austrian non-saline bathing waters, previously not known to harbor V. cholerae, is probably linked to the prevailing extreme weather conditions (heat wave, drought) this summer in Austria. While case 1 was discharged in good clinical condition after 73 days, case 2 died after four months of hospitalization. Public health authorities are challenged to assess the effects of long-term climate change on pathogen growth and survival in continental bodies of fresh water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hirk
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steliana Huhulescu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sarah Lepuschitz
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Rehak
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Weil
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Gschwandtner
- 2. Chirurgische Abteilung, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hermann
- 2. Chirurgische Abteilung, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie Neuhold
- 4. Medizinische Abteilung mit Infektiologie und Tropenmedizin, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund, Kaiser Franz Josef Spital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- 4. Medizinische Abteilung mit Infektiologie und Tropenmedizin, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund, Kaiser Franz Josef Spital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria.,Division for Medical Microbiology, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schauer S, Jakwerth S, Bliem R, Baudart J, Lebaron P, Huhulescu S, Kundi M, Herzig A, Farnleitner AH, Sommer R, Kirschner A. Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae abundance in Austrian saline lakes, assessed with quantitative solid-phase cytometry. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4366-78. [PMID: 25847810 PMCID: PMC4950322 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to elucidate the main predictors of Vibrio cholerae dynamics and to estimate the risk of Vibrio cholera‐related diseases, a recently developed direct detection approach based on fluorescence in situ hybridization and solid‐phase cytometry (CARD‐FISH/SPC) was applied in comparison to cultivation for water samples from the lake Neusiedler See, Austria and three shallow alkaline lakes over a period of 20 months. Vibrio cholerae attached to crustacean zooplankton was quantified via FISH and epifluorescence microscopy. Concentrations obtained by CARD‐FISH/SPC were significantly higher than those obtained by culture in 2011, but were mostly of similar magnitude in 2012. Maximum cell numbers were 1.26 × 106V. cholerae per L in Neusiedler See and 7.59 × 107V. cholerae per L in the shallow alkaline lakes. Only on a few occasions during summer was the crustacean zooplankton the preferred habitat for V. cholerae. In winter, V. cholerae was not culturable but could be quantified at all sites with CARD‐FISH/SPC. Beside temperature, suspended solids, zooplankton and ammonium were the main predictors of V. cholerae abundance in Neusiedler See, while in the shallow alkaline lakes it was organic carbon, conductivity and phosphorus. Based on the obtained concentrations a first estimation of the health risk for visitors of the lake could be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Schauer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Stefan Jakwerth
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Rupert Bliem
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria.,Armament and Defence Technology Agency, NBC & Environmental Protection Technology Division, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Julia Baudart
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, USR 3579, LBBM, Sorbonne Universités, Banyuls-sur-Mer, 66650, France.,CNRS, LBBM, USR 3579, Banyuls-sur-Mer, 66650, France
| | - Philippe Lebaron
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, USR 3579, LBBM, Sorbonne Universités, Banyuls-sur-Mer, 66650, France.,CNRS, LBBM, USR 3579, Banyuls-sur-Mer, 66650, France
| | - Steliana Huhulescu
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute for Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Alois Herzig
- Biological Research Institute Burgenland, Illmitz, 7142, Austria
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Ecology, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, 1060, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vezzulli L, Stauder M, Grande C, Pezzati E, Verheye HM, Owens NJP, Pruzzo C. gbpA as a Novel qPCR Target for the Species-Specific Detection of Vibrio cholerae O1, O139, Non-O1/Non-O139 in Environmental, Stool, and Historical Continuous Plankton Recorder Samples. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123983. [PMID: 25915771 PMCID: PMC4411143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Vibrio cholerae N-acetyl glucosamine-binding protein A (GbpA) is a chitin-binding protein involved in V. cholerae attachment to environmental chitin surfaces and human intestinal cells. We previously investigated the distribution and genetic variations of gbpA in a large collection of V. cholerae strains and found that the gene is consistently present and highly conserved in this species. Primers and probe were designed from the gbpA sequence of V. cholerae and a new Taq-based qPCR protocol was developed for diagnostic detection and quantification of the bacterium in environmental and stool samples. In addition, the positions of primers targeting the gbpA gene region were selected to obtain a short amplified fragment of 206 bp and the protocol was optimized for the analysis of formalin-fixed samples, such as historical Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) samples. Overall, the method is sensitive (50 gene copies), highly specific for V. cholerae and failed to amplify strains of the closely-related species Vibrio mimicus. The sensitivity of the assay applied to environmental and stool samples spiked with V. cholerae ATCC 39315 was comparable to that of pure cultures and was of 102 genomic units/l for drinking and seawater samples, 101 genomic units/g for sediment and 102 genomic units/g for bivalve and stool samples. The method also performs well when tested on artificially formalin-fixed and degraded genomic samples and was able to amplify V. cholerae DNA in historical CPR samples, the earliest of which date back to August 1966. The detection of V. cholerae in CPR samples collected in cholera endemic areas such as the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) is of particular significance and represents a proof of concept for the possible use of the CPR technology and the developed qPCR assay in cholera studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vezzulli
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Stauder
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Grande
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pezzati
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hans M. Verheye
- Oceans and Coastal Research, Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas J. P. Owens
- Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS), Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A novel triplex quantitative PCR strategy for quantification of toxigenic and nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae in aquatic environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:3077-85. [PMID: 25724966 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03516-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is a severe human pathogen and a frequent member of aquatic ecosystems. Quantification of V. cholerae in environmental water samples is therefore fundamental for ecological studies and health risk assessment. Beside time-consuming cultivation techniques, quantitative PCR (qPCR) has the potential to provide reliable quantitative data and offers the opportunity to quantify multiple targets simultaneously. A novel triplex qPCR strategy was developed in order to simultaneously quantify toxigenic and nontoxigenic V. cholerae in environmental water samples. To obtain quality-controlled PCR results, an internal amplification control was included. The qPCR assay was specific, highly sensitive, and quantitative across the tested 5-log dynamic range down to a method detection limit of 5 copies per reaction. Repeatability and reproducibility were high for all three tested target genes. For environmental application, global DNA recovery (GR) rates were assessed for drinking water, river water, and water from different lakes. GR rates ranged from 1.6% to 76.4% and were dependent on the environmental background. Uncorrected and GR-corrected V. cholerae abundances were determined in two lakes with extremely high turbidity. Uncorrected abundances ranged from 4.6×10(2) to 2.3×10(4) cell equivalents liter(-1), whereas GR-corrected abundances ranged from 4.7×10(3) to 1.6×10(6) cell equivalents liter(-1). GR-corrected qPCR results were in good agreement with an independent cell-based direct detection method but were up to 1.6 log higher than cultivation-based abundances. We recommend the newly developed triplex qPCR strategy as a powerful tool to simultaneously quantify toxigenic and nontoxigenic V. cholerae in various aquatic environments for ecological studies as well as for risk assessment programs.
Collapse
|
22
|
Douterelo I, Boxall JB, Deines P, Sekar R, Fish KE, Biggs CA. Methodological approaches for studying the microbial ecology of drinking water distribution systems. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 65:134-156. [PMID: 25105587 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The study of the microbial ecology of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) has traditionally been based on culturing organisms from bulk water samples. The development and application of molecular methods has supplied new tools for examining the microbial diversity and activity of environmental samples, yielding new insights into the microbial community and its diversity within these engineered ecosystems. In this review, the currently available methods and emerging approaches for characterising microbial communities, including both planktonic and biofilm ways of life, are critically evaluated. The study of biofilms is considered particularly important as it plays a critical role in the processes and interactions occurring at the pipe wall and bulk water interface. The advantages, limitations and usefulness of methods that can be used to detect and assess microbial abundance, community composition and function are discussed in a DWDS context. This review will assist hydraulic engineers and microbial ecologists in choosing the most appropriate tools to assess drinking water microbiology and related aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Douterelo
- Pennine Water Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK.
| | - Joby B Boxall
- Pennine Water Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Peter Deines
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Raju Sekar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
| | - Katherine E Fish
- Pennine Water Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Catherine A Biggs
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Stevenson ME, Blaschke AP, Schauer S, Zessner M, Sommer R, Farnleitner AH, Kirschner AKT. Enumerating Microorganism Surrogates for Groundwater Transport Studies Using Solid-Phase Cytometry. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2014; 225:1827. [PMID: 24578583 PMCID: PMC3928530 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-013-1827-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Investigations on the pollution of groundwater with pathogenic microorganisms, e.g. tracer studies for groundwater transport, are constrained by their potential health risk. Thus, microspheres are often used in groundwater transport studies as non-hazardous surrogates for pathogenic microorganisms. Even though pathogenic microorganisms occur at low concentrations in groundwater, current detection methods of microspheres (spectrofluorimetry, flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy) have rather high detection limits and are unable to detect rare events. Solid-phase cytometry (SPC) offers the unique capability of reliably quantifying extremely low concentrations of fluorescently labelled microorganisms or microspheres in natural waters, including groundwater. Until now, microspheres have been used in combination with SPC only for instrument calibration purposes and not for environmental applications. In this study, we explored the limits of the SPC methodology for its applicability to groundwater transport studies. The SPC approach proved to be a highly sensitive and reliable enumeration system for microorganism surrogates down to a minimum size of 0.5 μm, in up to 500 ml of groundwater, and 0.75 μm, in up to 1 ml of turbid surface water. Hence, SPC is proposed to be a useful method for enumerating microspheres for groundwater transport studies in the laboratory, as well as in the field when non-toxic, natural products are used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Stevenson
- Centre for Water Resource Systems, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - A. Paul Blaschke
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water and Health (ICC), www.waterandhealth.at, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Schauer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Zessner
- Institute for Water Quality, Resource and Waste Management, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water and Health (ICC), www.waterandhealth.at, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H. Farnleitner
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Ecology, Vienna University of Technology, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water and Health (ICC), www.waterandhealth.at, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander K. T. Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water and Health (ICC), www.waterandhealth.at, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|