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Bosilevac JM, Guragain M, Barkhouse DA, Velez SE, Katz TS, Lu G, Wang R. Impact of intense sanitization procedures on bacterial communities recovered from floor drains in pork processing plants. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1379203. [PMID: 38832117 PMCID: PMC11144920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1379203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pork processing plants in the United States (US) cease operations for 24-48 h every six or twelve months to perform intense sanitization (IS) using fogging, foaming, and further antimicrobial treatments to disrupt natural biofilms that may harbor pathogens and spoilage organisms. The impact such treatments have on short-term changes in environmental microorganisms is not well understood, nor is the rate at which bacterial communities return. Methods Swab samples were collected from floor drains to provide representative environmental microorganisms at two US pork processing plants before, during, and after an IS procedure. Samples were collected from four coolers where finished carcasses were chilled and from four locations near cutting tables. Each sample was characterized by total mesophile count (TMC), total psychrophile count (TPC), and other indicator bacteria; their biofilm-forming ability, tolerance of the formed biofilm to a quaternary ammonium compound (300 ppm, QAC), and ability to protect co-inoculated Salmonella enterica. In addition, bacterial community composition was determined using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Results IS procedures disrupted bacteria present but to different extents depending on the plant and the area of the plant. IS reduced TPC and TMC, by up to 1.5 Log10 CFU only to return to pre-IS levels within 2-3 days. The impact of IS on microorganisms in coolers was varied, with reductions of 2-4 Log10, and required 2 to 4 weeks to return to pre-IS levels. The results near fabrication lines were mixed, with little to no significant changes at one plant, while at the other, two processing lines showed 4 to 6 Log10 reductions. Resistance to QAC and the protection of Salmonella by the biofilms varied between plants and between areas of the plants as well. Community profiling of bacteria at the genus level showed that IS reduced species diversity and the disruption led to new community compositions that in some cases did not return to the pre-IS state even after 15 to 16 weeks. Discussion The results found here reveal the impact of using IS to disrupt the presence of pathogen or spoilage microorganisms in US pork processing facilities may not have the intended effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Bosilevac
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Manita Guragain
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | | | - Sarah E. Velez
- Invisible Sentinel – bioMerieux Inc., Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tatum S. Katz
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Guoqing Lu
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Rong Wang
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
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Ning R, Li C, Xia M, Zhang Y, Gan Y, Huang Y, Zhang T, Song H, Zhang S, Guo W. Pseudomonas-associated bacteria play a key role in obtaining nutrition from bamboo for the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0381923. [PMID: 38305171 PMCID: PMC10913395 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03819-23] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays a vital role in obtaining nutrition from bamboo for giant pandas. However, low cellulase activity has been observed in the panda's gut. Besides, no specific pathway has been implicated in lignin digestion by gut microbiota of pandas. Therefore, the mechanism by which they obtain nutrients is still controversial. It is necessary to elucidate the precise pathways employed by gut microbiota of pandas to degrade lignin. Here, the metabolic pathways for lignin degradation in pandas were explored by comparing 209 metagenomic sequencing data from wild species with different feeding habits. Lignin degradation central pathways, including beta-ketoadipate and homogentisate pathway, were enriched in the gut of wild bamboo-eating pandas. The gut microbiome of wild bamboo-eating specialists was enriched with genes from pathways implicated in degrading ferulate and p-coumarate into acetyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA, which can potentially provide the raw materials for metabolism in pandas. Specifically, Pseudomonas, as the most dominant gut bacteria genus, was found to be the main bacteria to provide genes involved in lignin or lignin derivative degradation. Herein, three Pseudomonas-associated strains isolated from the feces of wild pandas showed the laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase activity and extracellular lignin degradation ability in vitro. A potential mechanism for pandas to obtain nutrition from bamboo was proposed based on the results. This study provides novel insights into the adaptive evolution of pandas from the perspective of lignin metabolism. IMPORTANCE Although giant pandas only feed on bamboo, the mechanism of lignin digestion in pandas is unclear. Here, the metabolic pathways for lignin degradation in wild pandas were explored by comparing gut metagenomic from species with different feeding habits. Results showed that lignin degradation central pathways, including beta-ketoadipate and homogentisate pathway, were enriched in the gut of wild bamboo-eating pandas. Genes from pathways involved in degrading ferulate and p-coumarate via beta-ketoadipate pathway were also enriched in bamboo-eating pandas. The final products of the above process, such as acetyl-CoA, can potentially provide the raw materials for metabolism in pandas. Specifically, Pseudomonas, as the most dominant gut bacteria genus, mainly provides genes involved in lignin degradation. Herein, Pseudomonas-associated strains isolated from the feces of pandas could degrade extracellular lignin. These findings suggest that gut microbiome of pandas is crucial in obtaining nutrition from lignin via Pseudomonas, as the main lignin-degrading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Ning
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Caiwu Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Maohua Xia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technology, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunong Gan
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Tianyou Zhang
- Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Song
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Wang R, Guragain M, Chitlapilly Dass S, Palanisamy V, Bosilevac JM. Impact of intense sanitization on environmental biofilm communities and the survival of Salmonella enterica at a beef processing plant. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338600. [PMID: 38435686 PMCID: PMC10906087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. In the meat industry, one action taken to address pathogen contamination incidence is an intense sanitization (IS) of the entire processing plant that many large processors perform annually or semiannually. However, this procedure's immediate and long-term impact on environment microbial community and pathogen colonization are unknown. Here we investigated the impact of IS procedure on environmental biofilms and the subsequent S. enterica colonization and stress tolerance. Environmental samples were collected from floor drains at various areas 1 week before, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the IS procedure at a beef plant with sporadic S. enterica prevalence. Biofilm formation by microorganisms in the drain samples without S. enterica presence was tested under processing temperature. The ability of the biofilms to recruit and/or protect a co-inoculated S. enterica strain from quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) treatment was determined. The community structure of each drain sample was elucidated through 16S rRNA amplicon community sequencing. Post-IS samples collected from 8 drains formed significantly stronger biofilms than the respective pre-IS samples. S. enterica colonization was not different between the pre- and post-IS biofilms at all drain locations. S. enterica survival in QAC-treated pre- and post-IS mixed biofilms varied depending upon the drain location but a higher survival was associated with a stronger biofilm matrix. The 16S rRNA amplicon gene community sequencing results exhibited a decrease in community diversity 1 week after IS treatment but followed by a significant increase 4 weeks after the treatment. The IS procedure also significantly altered the community composition and the higher presence of certain species in the post-IS community may be associated with the stronger mixed biofilm formation and Salmonella tolerance. Our study suggested that the IS procedure might disrupt the existing environmental microbial community and alter the natural population composition, which might lead to unintended consequences as a result of a lack of competition within the multispecies mixture. The survival and recruitment of species with high colonizing capability to the post-IS community may play crucial roles in shaping the ensuing ecological dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Manita Guragain
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA, United States
| | | | - Vignesh Palanisamy
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Joseph M. Bosilevac
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
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Chen Q, Palanisamy V, Wang R, Bosilevac JM, Chitlapilly Dass S. Salmonella-induced microbiome profile in response to sanitation by quaternary ammonium chloride. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0234623. [PMID: 38226804 PMCID: PMC10846233 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02346-23] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is a prominent cause of foodborne disease in the United States. However, the mechanism and route of pathogen transmission that leads to Salmonella infection in commercial processing plants are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mixed-species biofilms on S. enterica survival and persistence under sanitizer stress [Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)] by analyzing 78 floor drain samples from a meat processing facility and three S. enterica strains (serovars Cerro, Montevideo, and Typhimurium) isolated from that facility and an unrelated source. The four test groups were as follows: control, QAC treatment, Salmonella addition, and QAC treatment with Salmonella addition. DNAs were extracted, and 16S rRNA gene based on the variable region V4 amplicon sequencing was performed to analyze the relative abundance, core microbiome, and Alpha and Beta diversity using the qiime2 pipeline. At the genus level, the Brochothrix (45.56%), Pseudomonas (38.94%), Carnobacterium (6.18%), Lactococcus (4.68%), Serratia (3.14%), and Staphylococcus (0.82%) were shown to be the most prevalent in all drain samples. The results demonstrate that the relative abundance of different bacterial genera was affected by both QAC treatment and Salmonella addition, with some genera showing increases or decreases in abundance. Notably, the correlation network was constructed to understand the relationships between the different bacteria. Nitrospira had the greatest number of connections in the floor drain environment network, with two negative and eight positive correlations. The results suggest that Nitrospira in the mixed-species biofilm community may play a role in converting ammonium in the QAC sanitizer into nitrites. Thus, Nitrospira could be a potentially important genus in providing sanitizer resistance to pathogen-encompassed mixed-species biofilms.IMPORTANCESalmonella contamination in meat processing facilities can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. Our study characterized the microbiome dynamics in beef facility drains and their response to Salmonella addition and common sanitizer (QAC). Nitrospira could be an important genus in providing sanitizer resistance to pathogen-encompassed mixed-species biofilms. The results provide insight into the impact of mixed-species biofilms on Salmonella survival and persistence under sanitizer stress in meat processing facilities. The results highlight the need to consider mixed-species biofilm effects when developing targeted interventions to enhance food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Vignesh Palanisamy
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Joseph M. Bosilevac
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Satari L, Torrent D, Ortega-Legarreta A, Latorre-Pérez A, Pascual J, Porcar M, Iglesias A. A laboratory ice machine as a cold oligotrophic artificial microbial niche for biodiscovery. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22089. [PMID: 38086912 PMCID: PMC10716499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are ubiquitously distributed in nature and usually appear as biofilms attached to a variety of surfaces. Here, we report the development of a thick biofilm in the drain pipe of several standard laboratory ice machines, and we describe and characterise, through culture-dependent and -independent techniques, the composition of this oligotrophic microbial community. By using culturomics, 25 different microbial strains were isolated and taxonomically identified. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla in the sample, followed by Acidobacteriota and Planctomycetota, while ITS high-throughput sequencing uncovered the fungal community was clearly dominated by the presence of a yet-unidentified genus from the Didymellaceae family. Alpha and beta diversity comparisons of the ice machine microbial community against that of other similar cold oligotrophic and/or artificial environments revealed a low similarity between samples, highlighting the ice machine could be considered a cold and oligotrophic niche with a unique selective pressure for colonisation of particular microorganisms. The recovery and analysis of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) yielded a strikingly high rate of new species. The functional profiling of the metagenome sequences uncovered the presence of proteins involved in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and fimbriae biosynthesis and also allowed us to detect the key proteins involved in the cold adaptation mechanisms and oligotrophic metabolic pathways. The metabolic functions in the recovered MAGs confirmed that all MAGs have the genes involved in psychrophilic protein biosynthesis. In addition, the highest number of genes for EPS biosynthesis was presented in MAGs associated with the genus Sphingomonas, which was also recovered by culture-based method. Further, the MAGs with the highest potential gene number for oligotrophic protein production were closely affiliated with the genera Chryseoglobus and Mycobacterium. Our results reveal the surprising potential of a cold oligotrophic microecosystem within a machine as a source of new microbial taxa and provide the scientific community with clues about which microorganisms are able to colonise this ecological niche and what physiological mechanisms they develop. These results pave the way to understand how and why certain microorganisms can colonise similar anthropogenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Satari
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Manuel Porcar
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
- Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence S.L., Paterna, Spain
| | - Alba Iglesias
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, Spain.
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Abstract
Hypersaline waters and glacial ice are inhospitable environments that have low water activity and high concentrations of osmolytes. They are inhabited by diverse microbial communities, of which extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi are essential components. Some fungi are specialized in only one of these two environments and can thrive in conditions that are lethal to most other life-forms. Others are generalists, highly adaptable species that occur in both environments and tolerate a wide range of extremes. Both groups efficiently balance cellular osmotic pressure and ion concentration, stabilize cell membranes, remodel cell walls, and neutralize intracellular oxidative stress. Some species use unusual reproductive strategies. Further investigation of these adaptations with new methods and carefully designed experiments under ecologically relevant conditions will help predict the role of fungi in hypersaline and glacial environments affected by climate change, decipher their stress resistance mechanisms and exploit their biotechnological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
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van Leuven N, Zinn MK, Lucassen R, Lipski A, Flemming HC, Bockmühl D. High resolution ITS amplicon melting analysis as a tool to analyse microbial communities of household biofilms in ex-situ models. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 212:106806. [PMID: 37567416 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are the most common growth types of microorganisms. These complex communities usually consist of different species and are embedded in an extracellular matrix containing polymers, proteins and DNA. This matrix offers protection against different (a)biotic environmental factors and generally increases resistances. Higher resistances against antibiotics are one of the main reasons why biofilms are often associated with healthcare settings. Nevertheless, they are also found in domestic settings, mostly in humid places with abundant nutrients like dishwashers or washing machines. Biofilms in these areas show individual compositions and are influenced for example by temperature, frequency of use or the age of the device. In this study, we introduce a model for the ex-situ cultivation of domestic biofilms from household appliances. Furthermore, we tested the ability of high resolution melting analysis (HRMA) as a tool for analysing these biofilms. Our goal was to maintain a high amount of complexity in the ex-situ biofilms that is characterized by the melting behavior of the contained DNA. Dishwasher and washing machine biofilms were sampled in private households and cultivated for 10 d. After DNA extraction, 16S rDNA was sequenced and melting behavior of the bacterial Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region was analysed. Additionally, testing for independence of continuous new sampling, storage of cultivated biofilms in glycerol stocks and following recultivation of them was done up to three times. Our results show that a high level of complexity could be maintained in the ex-situ biofilms after 10 d of cultivation, although in general the bacterial diversity slightly decreased compared to the original biofilm in most cases. Recultivation of a similar biofilm from glycerol stocks was possible as well with some impact by various factors. Differences in the bacterial composition of biofilms could clearly made visible by HRMA although it was not possible to match peaks to a specific phylogenetic group. Still, HRMA proved to be a less costly and time consuming alternative to sequencing for the characterization of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole van Leuven
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kleve, Germany; University of Bonn, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc-Kevin Zinn
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kleve, Germany; University of Duisburg-Essen, Biofilm Centre, Essen, Germany
| | - Ralf Lucassen
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kleve, Germany
| | - André Lipski
- University of Bonn, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Bockmühl
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kleve, Germany.
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Satari L, Iglesias A, Porcar M. The Microbiome of Things: Appliances, Machines, and Devices Hosting Artificial Niche-Adapted Microbial Communities. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1507. [PMID: 37375009 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As it is the case with natural substrates, artificial surfaces of man-made devices are home to a myriad of microbial species. Artificial products are not necessarily characterized by human-associated microbiomes; instead, they can present original microbial populations shaped by specific environmental-often extreme-selection pressures. This review provides a detailed insight into the microbial ecology of a range of artificial devices, machines, and appliances, which we argue are specific microbial niches that do not necessarily fit in the "build environment" microbiome definition. Instead, we propose here the Microbiome of Things (MoT) concept analogous to the Internet of Things (IoT) because we believe it may be useful to shed light on human-made, but not necessarily human-related, unexplored microbial niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Satari
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Alba Iglesias
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Manuel Porcar
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL., Parc Científic, Universitat de València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
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The origin of human pathogenicity and biological interactions in Chaetothyriales. FUNGAL DIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13225-023-00518-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFungi in the order Chaetothyriales are renowned for their ability to cause human infections. Nevertheless, they are not regarded as primary pathogens, but rather as opportunists with a natural habitat in the environment. Extremotolerance is a major trend in the order, but quite different from black yeasts in Capnodiales which focus on endurance, an important additional parameter is advancing toxin management. In the ancestral ecology of rock colonization, the association with metabolite-producing lichens is significant. Ant-association, dealing with pheromones and repellents, is another mainstay in the order. The phylogenetically derived family, Herpotrichiellaceae, shows dual ecology in monoaromatic hydrocarbon assimilation and the ability to cause disease in humans and cold-blooded vertebrates. In this study, data on ecology, phylogeny, and genomics were collected and analyzed in order to support this hypothesis on the evolutionary route of the species of Chaetothyriales. Comparing the ribosomal tree with that of enzymes involved in toluene degradation, a significant expansion of cytochromes is observed and the toluene catabolism is found to be complete in some of the Herpotrichiellaceae. This might enhance human systemic infection. However, since most species have to be traumatically inoculated in order to cause disease, their invasive potential is categorized as opportunism. Only in chromoblastomycosis, true pathogenicity might be surmised. The criterion would be the possible escape of agents of vertebrate disease from the host, enabling dispersal of adapted genotypes to subsequent generations.
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Cremer J, Kaltschmidt BP, Kiel A, Eberhard J, Schmidt S, Kaltschmidt C, Kaltschmidt B, Hütten A, Anselmetti D. Aging of Industrial Polypropylene Surfaces in Detergent Solution and Its Consequences for Biofilm Formation. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051247. [PMID: 36904487 PMCID: PMC10006934 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The performance of plastic components in water-bearing parts of industrial and household appliances, often in the presence of harsh environments and elevated temperatures, critically relies on the mechanical and thermal polymer stability. In this light, the precise knowledge of aging properties of polymers formulated with dedicated antiaging additive packages as well as various fillers is crucial for long-time device warranty. We investigated and analysed the time-dependent, polymer-liquid interface aging of different industrial performance polypropylene samples in aqueous detergent solution at high temperatures (95 °C). Special emphasis was put on the disadvantageous process of consecutive biofilm formation that often follows surface transformation and degradation. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy were used to monitor and analyse the surface aging process. Additionally, bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation was characterised by colony forming unit assays. One of the key findings is the observation of crystalline, fibre-like growth of ethylene bis stearamide (EBS) on the surface during the aging process. EBS is a widely used process aid and lubricant enabling the proper demoulding of injection moulding plastic parts. The aging-induced surface-covering EBS layers changed the surface morphology and promoted bacterial adhesion as well as biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Cremer
- Department of Experimental Biophysics & Applied Nanoscience, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Bernhard P. Kaltschmidt
- Department of Thin Films and Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Annika Kiel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas Hütten
- Department of Thin Films and Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dario Anselmetti
- Department of Experimental Biophysics & Applied Nanoscience, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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Ma LT, Lian JX, Bai Y, Shang MJ, Zhang ZZ, Wu FF, Chen J, Meng XB, Zheng J, Li T, Li YQ, Wang JJ. Adeno-associated virus vector intraperitoneal injection induces colonic mucosa and submucosa transduction and alters the diversity and composition of the faecal microbiota in rats. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1028380. [PMID: 36619753 PMCID: PMC9813966 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1028380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral vector technology, especially recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV) technology, has shown great promise in preclinical research for clinical applications. Several studies have confirmed that rAAV can successfully transduce the enteric nervous system (ENS), and rAAV gene therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of the early childhood blindness disease Leber congenital amaurosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, until now, it has not been possible to determine the effect of AAV9 on intestinal microbiota. Methods We examined the efficiency of AAV9-mediated ascending colon, transverse colon and descending colon transduction through intraperitoneal (IP) injection, performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysed specific faecal microbial signatures following AAV9 IP injection via bioinformatics methods in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results Our results showed (1) efficient transduction of the mucosa and submucosa of the ascending, transverse, and descending colon following AAV9 IP injection; (2) a decreased alpha diversity and an altered overall microbial composition following AAV9 IP injection; (3) significant enrichments in a total of 5 phyla, 10 classes, 13 orders, 15 families, 29 genera, and 230 OTUs following AAV9 IP injection; and (4) AAV9 can significantly upregulate the relative abundance of anaerobic microbiota which is one of the seven high-level phenotypes that BugBase could predict. Conclusion In summary, these data show that IP injection of AAV9 can successfully induce the transduction of the colonic mucosa and submucosa and alter the diversity and composition of the faecal microbiota in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Lian
- Department of Endocrinology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng-Juan Shang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Faculty of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Zhe-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fei-Fei Wu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian-Bo Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,*Correspondence: Jing-Jie Wang, ; Yun-Qing Li, ; Tian Li,
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, China,Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China,*Correspondence: Jing-Jie Wang, ; Yun-Qing Li, ; Tian Li,
| | - Jing-Jie Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Jing-Jie Wang, ; Yun-Qing Li, ; Tian Li,
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12
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Kiel A, Creutz I, Rückert C, Kaltschmidt BP, Hütten A, Niehaus K, Busche T, Kaltschmidt B, Kaltschmidt C. Genome-Based Analysis of Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation in Novel P. aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Household Appliances. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122508. [PMID: 36557761 PMCID: PMC9781345 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In household washing machines, opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are present, which represent the household as a possible reservoir for clinical pathogens. Here, four novel P. aeruginosa strains, isolated from different sites of household appliances, were investigated regarding their biofilm formation. Only two isolates showed strong surface-adhered biofilm formation. In consequence of these phenotypic differences, we performed whole genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology together with Illumina MiSeq. Whole genome data were screened for the prevalence of 285 virulence- and biofilm-associated genes as well as for prophages. Linking biofilm phenotypes and parallelly appearing gene compositions, we assume a relevancy of the las quorum sensing system and the phage-encoded bacteriophage control infection gene bci, which was found on integrated phi297 DNA in all biofilm-forming isolates. Additionally, only the isolates revealing strong biofilm formation harbored the ϕCTX-like prophage Dobby, implicating a role of this prophage on biofilm formation. Investigations on clinically relevant pathogens within household appliances emphasize their adaptability to harsh environments, with high concentrations of detergents, providing greater insights into pathogenicity and underlying mechanisms. This in turn opens the possibility to map and characterize potentially relevant strains even before they appear as pathogens in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kiel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Ines Creutz
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Rückert
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bernhard Peter Kaltschmidt
- Department of Thin Films and Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas Hütten
- Department of Thin Films and Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Karsten Niehaus
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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13
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Metagenomic insights into taxonomic, functional diversity and inhibitors of microbial biofilms. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Magnetron Sputtering of Transition Metals as an Alternative Production Means for Antibacterial Surfaces. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091843. [PMID: 36144445 PMCID: PMC9504686 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and growing numbers of bacteria with resistance to antibiotics, the development of antimicrobial coatings is rising worldwide. Inorganic coatings are attractive because of low environmental leakage and wear resistance. Examples for coatings are hot metal dipping or physical vapor deposition of nanometer coatings. Here, magnetron sputtering of various transition metals, such as gold, ruthenium and tantalum, was investigated. Metal films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We investigated the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from household appliances on different sputter-coated metal surfaces. The fine-grained nanometric structure of these metal coatings was between 14 nm (tantalum) and 26 nm (gold) and the roughness was in a range of 164 pm (ruthenium) to 246 pm (gold). Antibacterial efficacy of metal surfaces followed the order: gold > tantalum > ruthenium. Interestingly, gold had the strongest inhibitory effect on bacterial growth, as analyzed by LIVE/DEAD and CFU assay. High-magnification SEM images showed dead bacteria characterized by shrinkage induced by metal coatings. We conclude that sputtering might be a new application for the development of antimicrobial surfaces on household appliances and or surgical instruments.
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15
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Atnafu B, Desta A, Assefa F. Microbial Community Structure and Diversity in Drinking Water Supply, Distribution Systems as well as Household Point of Use Sites in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:73-89. [PMID: 34410455 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding ecology of microbiomes in drinking water distribution systems is the most important notion in delivering safe drinking water. Drinking water distribution systems harbor various microbiota despite efforts made in improving water infrastructures in the water industry, especially, in developing countries. Intermittent water supply, long time of water storage, low water pressure, and contaminated source water are among many of the factors responsible for poor drinking water quality affecting health of people. The aim of this study was to explore microbial diversity and structure in water samples collected from source water, treated water, reservoirs, and household points of use locations (taps). High-throughput Illumina sequencing technology was employed by targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and the V1-V3 region of the 18S rRNA gene to analyze the microbial community structure. Proteobacteria followed by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the core dominating taxa. Gammaproteobacteria was also dominant among other proteobacterial classes across all sampling points. Opportunistic bacterial genera such as Pseudomonas, Legionella, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Actinobacteria, as well as eukaryotic microbes like Cryptosporidium, Hartmannella, Acanthamoeba, Aspergillus, and Candida were also abundant taxa found along the distribution systems. The shift in microbial community structure from source to point of use locations was influenced by basic factors such as residual chlorine, intermittent water supply, and long-time storage at the household. The complex microbiota detected in different sampling sites in this study brings drinking water quality problem which further causes significant health problems to both human and animal health. Treatment ineffectiveness, disinfection inefficiency, poor maintenance actions, leakage of sewage, and other domestic wastes are few among many other factors responsible for degraded drinking water quality in this study putting health at high risk. Findings of this research provide important and baseline information to understand the microbial profiles of drinking water along source water and distribution systems. Moreover, knowing the microbial profile will help to design proper water quality assurance approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayable Atnafu
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Adey Desta
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fasil Assefa
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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16
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Ejdys E, Kulesza K, Wiśniewski P, Pajewska M, Sucharzewska E. Window seals as a source of yeast contamination. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 75:1021-1027. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ejdys
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - K. Kulesza
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - P. Wiśniewski
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - M.S. Pajewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - E. Sucharzewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
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17
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Sadiq FA, Hansen MF, Burmølle M, Heyndrickx M, Flint S, Lu W, Chen W, Zhang H. Towards understanding mechanisms and functional consequences of bacterial interactions with members of various kingdoms in complex biofilms that abound in nature. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6595875. [PMID: 35640890 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial world represents a phenomenal diversity of microorganisms from different kingdoms of life which occupy an impressive set of ecological niches. Most, if not all, microorganisms once colonise a surface develop architecturally complex surface-adhered communities which we refer to as biofilms. They are embedded in polymeric structural scaffolds serve as a dynamic milieu for intercellular communication through physical and chemical signalling. Deciphering microbial ecology of biofilms in various natural or engineered settings has revealed co-existence of microorganisms from all domains of life, including Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. The coexistence of these dynamic microbes is not arbitrary, as a highly coordinated architectural setup and physiological complexity show ecological interdependence and myriads of underlying interactions. In this review, we describe how species from different kingdoms interact in biofilms and discuss the functional consequences of such interactions. We highlight metabolic advances of collaboration among species from different kingdoms, and advocate that these interactions are of great importance and need to be addressed in future research. Since trans-kingdom biofilms impact diverse contexts, ranging from complicated infections to efficient growth of plants, future knowledge within this field will be beneficial for medical microbiology, biotechnology, and our general understanding of microbial life in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmed Sadiq
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology & Food Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium
| | - Mads Frederik Hansen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Heyndrickx
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology & Food Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Steve Flint
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag, 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Wenwei Lu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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18
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The Presence of Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens in Residential Buildings: A Literature Review. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14071129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPP) are microorganisms that are native to the plumbing environment and that present an emerging infectious disease problem. They share characteristics, such as disinfectant resistance, thermal tolerance, and biofilm formation. The colonisation of domestic water systems presents an elevated health risk for immune-compromised individuals who receive healthcare at home. The literature that has identified the previously described OPPPs (Aeromonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Helicobacter spp., Legionella spp., Methylobacterium spp., Mycobacteria spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Stenotrophomonas spp.) in residential drinking water systems were systematically reviewed. By applying the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, 214 studies were identified from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, which included 30 clinical case investigations. Tap components and showerheads were the most frequently identified sources of OPPPs. Sixty-four of these studies detected additional clinically relevant pathogens that are not classified as OPPPs in these reservoirs. There was considerable variation in the detection methods, which included traditional culturing and molecular approaches. These identified studies demonstrate that the current drinking water treatment methods are ineffective against many waterborne pathogens. It is critical that, as at-home healthcare services continue to be promoted, we understand the emergent risks that are posed by OPPPs in residential drinking water. Future research is needed in order to provide consistent data on the prevalence of OPPPs in residential water, and on the incidence of waterborne homecare-associated infections. This will enable the identification of the contributing risk factors, and the development of effective controls.
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19
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20
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Nagarkar M, Keely SP, Brinkman NE, Garland JL. Human- and infrastructure-associated bacteria in greywater. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:2178-2192. [PMID: 33905584 PMCID: PMC8682149 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Greywater, the wastewater from sinks, showers and laundry, is an understudied environment for bacterial communities. Most greywater studies focus on quantifying pathogens, often via proxies used in other wastewater, like faecal indicator bacteria; there is a need to identify more greywater-appropriate surrogates, like Staphylococcus sp. Sequencing-based studies have revealed distinct communities in different types of greywater as well as in different parts of greywater infrastructure, including biofilms on pipes, holding tanks and filtration systems. The use of metagenomic sequencing provides high resolution on both the taxa and genes present, which may be of interest in cases like identifying pathogens and surrogates relevant to different matrices, monitoring antibiotic resistance genes and understanding metabolic processes occurring in the system. Here, we review what is known about bacterial communities in different types of greywater and its infrastructure. We suggest that wider adoption of environmental sequencing in greywater research is important because it can describe the entire bacterial community along with its metabolic capabilities, including pathways for removal of nutrients and organic materials. We briefly describe a metagenomic dataset comparing different types of greywater samples in a college dormitory building to highlight the type of questions these methods can address. Metagenomic sequencing can help further the understanding of greywater treatment for reuse because it allows for identification of new pathogens or genes of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nagarkar
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - S P Keely
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - N E Brinkman
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - J L Garland
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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21
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A Bukhari M, M Banasser T, El-Bali M, A Bulkhi R, A Qamash R, Trenganno A, Khayyat M, A Kurdi M, Al Majrashi A, Bahewareth F. Assessment of microbiological quality of food preparation process in some restaurants of Makkah city. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5993-5997. [PMID: 34588916 PMCID: PMC8459123 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiological contamination of food processing surfaces and utensils increases considerably the risk of food-borne illnesses via cross-contamination. Hence, the safety of served meals and beverages can be evaluated through the assessment of the microbiological quality of food contact surfaces in food-serving establishments. This study carried out in Makkah city aimed to assess the microbiological contamination levels on food processing surfaces and utensils in 43 restaurants from the 9 main districts in the city. A total of 294 swab preparations were taken from 16 types of food contact surfaces including cutting boards, food containers, knives, serving dishes and other utensils were examined. Ninety samples (31%) showed more than 10 CFU/cm2 which were considered positive for microbiological contamination. Meat chopping devices and cutting boards were found as the most contaminated food contact surfaces (60% and 50%), while washed serving dishes and fridge handles were the least contaminated (21% and 18%). Microorganisms detected in the study were Klebsiella spp. (18.7%), Escherichia coli (17,7%), Staphylococcus aureus (4,4%), Pseudomonas spp. (1.7%), Proteus spp. (0.7%), Bacillus cereus (0.7%), and Candida sp. (0.3%). Klebsiella spp. and E. coli were observed in at least one sample from each of the sixteen different food contact surfaces. The incidence of restaurants with contaminated food contact surfaces was significantly variable among the different districts, with a value as high as 57% in the most affected district and 20% in the less affected. No contamination with Salmonella spp. or Listeria spp. was detected, however, the detection of Bacillus cereus, a toxin-forming microorganism, in two different restaurants underlines the need for continuous microbiological assessment to ensure standard sanitation levels in restaurants and catering establishments of Makkah city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh A Bukhari
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talib M Banasser
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed El-Bali
- Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha A Bulkhi
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razaz A Qamash
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Trenganno
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher Khayyat
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Kurdi
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Majrashi
- Regional Laboratory of Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayez Bahewareth
- King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Isola D, Scano A, Orrù G, Prenafeta-Boldú FX, Zucconi L. Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sites: Is There Something More Than Exophiala xenobiotica? New Insights into Black Fungal Diversity Using the Long Cold Incubation Method. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100817. [PMID: 34682237 PMCID: PMC8538888 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-made hydrocarbon-rich environments are important reservoirs of microorganisms with specific degrading abilities and pathogenic potential. In particular, black fungi are of great interest, but their presence in the environment is frequently underestimated because they are difficult to isolate. In the frame of a biodiversity study from fuel-contaminated sites involving 30 diesel car tanks and 112 fuel pump dispensers (52 diesel and 60 gasoline, respectively), a total of 181 black fungal strains were isolated. The long cold incubation (LCI) of water-suspended samples, followed by plating on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC), gave isolation yields up to six times (6.6) higher than those of direct plating on DRBC, and those of enrichment with a phenolic mix. The sequencing of ITS and LSU-rDNA confirmed the dominance of potentially pathogenic fungi from the family Herpotrichiellaceae and Exophiala xenobiotica. Moreover, other opportunistic species were found, including E. opportunistica, E. oligosperma, E. phaeomuriformis, and Rhinocladiella similis. The recurrent presence of E. crusticola, Knufia epidermidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Cladosporium spp., and Scolecobasidium spp. was also recorded. Interestingly, 12% of total isolates, corresponding to 50% of taxa found (16/32), represent new species. All the novel taxa in this study were isolated by LCI. These findings suggest that black fungal diversity in hydrocarbon-rich niches remains largely unexplored and that LCI can be an efficient tool for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Isola
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0761-357138
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | | | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
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23
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Asghari E, Kiel A, Kaltschmidt BP, Wortmann M, Schmidt N, Hüsgen B, Hütten A, Knabbe C, Kaltschmidt C, Kaltschmidt B. Identification of Microorganisms from Several Surfaces by MALDI-TOF MS: P. aeruginosa Is Leading in Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050992. [PMID: 34064414 PMCID: PMC8147854 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
New ecological trends and changes in consumer behavior are known to favor biofilm formation in household appliances, increasing the need for new antimicrobial materials and surfaces. Their development requires laboratory-cultivated biofilms, or biofilm model systems (BMS), which allow for accelerated growth and offer better understanding of the underlying formation mechanisms. Here, we identified bacterial strains in wildtype biofilms from a variety of materials from domestic appliances using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS). Staphylococci and pseudomonads were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS as the main genera in the habitats and were analyzed for biofilm formation using various in vitro methods. Standard quantitative biofilm assays were combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize biofilm formation. While Pseudomonas putida, a published lead germ, was not identified in any of the collected samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be the most dominant biofilm producer. Water-born Pseudomonads were dominantly found in compartments with water contact only, such as in detergent compartment and detergent enemata. Furthermore, materials in contact with the washing load are predominantly colonized with bacteria from the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Asghari
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (E.A.); (A.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Annika Kiel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (E.A.); (A.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Bernhard Peter Kaltschmidt
- Department of Thin Films & Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (B.P.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Martin Wortmann
- Department of Plastics Technology, University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany; (M.W.); (B.H.)
| | - Nadine Schmidt
- Institute for Laboratory- and Transfusion Medicine, Heart- and Diabetes Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany; (N.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Bruno Hüsgen
- Department of Plastics Technology, University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany; (M.W.); (B.H.)
| | - Andreas Hütten
- Department of Thin Films & Physics of Nanostructures, Center of Spinelectronic Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (B.P.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institute for Laboratory- and Transfusion Medicine, Heart- and Diabetes Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany; (N.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (E.A.); (A.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (E.A.); (A.K.); (C.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Hu J, Hartmann EM. Anthropogenic chemicals and their impacts on microbes living in buildings. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:798-802. [PMID: 33037788 PMCID: PMC7675452 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans spend the vast majority of their time indoors where complex interactions occur among indoor anthropogenic chemicals, indoor microbiomes and human occupants. This paper summarizes previous work addressing interactions between anthropogenic chemicals associated with indoor household products and building materials, and microorganisms found within the built environment. Water availability seems to determine the extent to which microbes are impacted by anthropogenic chemicals, since desiccation remains one of the primary stressors regulating microbial viability indoors. Several lines of evidence suggest that both fungi and bacteria are capable of transforming biodegradable ingredients originating from various products used indoors when water is present. Previous research also establishes positive and significant correlations between anthropogenic chemicals that are antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance gene abundance. As researchers move towards understanding complex indoor environments as well as the role of anthropogenic chemicals in shaping microbiomes, in situ activities associated with the viable indoor microbial population merit more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Hu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonILUSA
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonILUSA
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Distinct Resistomes and Microbial Communities of Soils, Wastewater Treatment Plants and Households Suggest Development of Antibiotic Resistances Due to Distinct Environmental Conditions in Each Environment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10050514. [PMID: 34062756 PMCID: PMC8147267 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antibiotics in humans and animals results in a release of excess antibiotic residues into the environment through wastewaters and insufficient removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), leading to increasing numbers of bacteria enriched in antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). However, the potential transfer of ARG and their host bacteria between different environments remains largely unexplored. Since many factors need to be fulfilled for a transfer between different environments, we hypothesized that antibiotic resistance (ABR) is less frequently transferred between environments in the same geographical region but rather develops and clusters in each distinct environment, leading to characteristic metagenome patterns in samples of different environments. We sampled agricultural soils, a WWTP and private households and performed metagenomic analyses to evaluate differences and potential overlaps in bacterial communities and resistomes of different environments. Wastewater revealed significantly higher richness of ARG (n = 40) and mobile genetic elements (n = 52) than soil and household samples. Bacterial communities differed between the environments and antibiotic resistance factors clustered distinctly. Overall, only few overlaps of ARG between the environments were observed, leading to the conclusion that ABR predominantly develops in individual environments as caused by environmental filtering for ARG, while a transfer between different environments is less likely.
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Dishwashers as an Extreme Environment of Potentially Pathogenic Yeast Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040446. [PMID: 33917934 PMCID: PMC8068352 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to compare the yeast species diversity in the specific environment of dishwashers, taking into account the potential risk for users. Yeasts were isolated from ten dishwashers and from tap water supplied to the appliances. Samples were collected for mycological analyses at the beginning of each month, from February to May 2016. Four dishwasher sites (rubber seals, detergent dispensers, sprinklers, and water drains) were analyzed. The microfungi were identified by the standard procedures applied in mycological diagnostics. To confirm species identification, molecular analysis was performed based on the sequences of the D1/D2 region. The presence of microfungi was detected in 70% of the investigated appliances. Rubber seals, detergent dispensers, and water drains were the most frequently colonized elements. Thirty-five yeast strains were isolated in this study, of which twenty-seven were obtained from dishwashers and eight from tap water. The strains belonged to six genera and six species (Candida parapsilosis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Dipodascus capitatus, Exophiala dermatitidis, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa). Most of the strains came from rubber seals. In this way, it was demonstrated that the dishwashers’ condition is sufficient as an ecological niche for microfungi.
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Blaustein RA, Michelitsch LM, Glawe AJ, Lee H, Huttelmaier S, Hellgeth N, Ben Maamar S, Hartmann EM. Toothbrush microbiomes feature a meeting ground for human oral and environmental microbiota. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:32. [PMID: 33517907 PMCID: PMC7849112 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00983-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While indoor microbiomes impact our health and well-being, much remains unknown about taxonomic and functional transitions that occur in human-derived microbial communities once they are transferred away from human hosts. Toothbrushes are a model to investigate the potential response of oral-derived microbiota to conditions of the built environment. Here, we characterize metagenomes of toothbrushes from 34 subjects to define the toothbrush microbiome and resistome and possible influential factors. RESULTS Toothbrush microbiomes often comprised a dominant subset of human oral taxa and less abundant or site-specific environmental strains. Although toothbrushes contained lower taxonomic diversity than oral-associated counterparts (determined by comparison with the Human Microbiome Project), they had relatively broader antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) profiles. Toothbrush resistomes were enriched with a variety of ARGs, notably those conferring multidrug efflux and putative resistance to triclosan, which were primarily attributable to versatile environmental taxa. Toothbrush microbial communities and resistomes correlated with a variety of factors linked to personal health, dental hygiene, and bathroom features. CONCLUSIONS Selective pressures in the built environment may shape the dynamic mixture of human (primarily oral-associated) and environmental microbiota that encounter each other on toothbrushes. Harboring a microbial diversity and resistome distinct from human-associated counterparts suggests toothbrushes could potentially serve as a reservoir that may enable the transfer of ARGs. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A. Blaustein
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Adam J. Glawe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Hansung Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Stefanie Huttelmaier
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Nancy Hellgeth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Sarah Ben Maamar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
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Xue N, Fang Q, Pan X, Zhang D. Distinct fungal plastisphere across different river functional zones: A watershed scale study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141879. [PMID: 33207490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungi not only play important roles in biogeochemical processes but also can form biofilm on plastic debris. However, knowledge of structure composition and spatiotemporal pattern of fungal plastisphere on different kinds of plastic debris in river with specific usages, known as river functional zones, is still missing. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of the fungal plastisphere across a complete urban river with different functional zones (drinking, farm irrigation, aquaculture, and tail lake). Our research was performed based on both field residual plastic debris collection and a 30-day field in situ incubation experiments. Our study revealed that plastic debris enriched distinct fungal communities (including pathogenic fungi) significantly different from the surrounding water. Tracking the source of the fungi colonized on plastic debris suggested that the fungal taxa colonized on the different kinds of plastic debris were not from the surrounding water. Human activities had considerable effects on the fungal community structure on plastic debris, and the plastisphere fungal community structure strikingly varied across different river functional zones. Plastisphere may be used as an indicator for fungi biogeography and pathogenic fungi pollution in river with different functional zones. These findings are essential for ecological risk assessment and management decisions for pollution control of plastic debris and maintaining ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qunkai Fang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China..
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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29
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The Household Resistome: Frequency of β-Lactamases, Class 1 Integrons, and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Domestic Environment and Their Reduction during Automated Dishwashing and Laundering. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02062-20. [PMID: 32978137 PMCID: PMC7657631 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02062-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Households provide a habitat for bacteria originating from humans, animals, foods, contaminated clothes, or other sources. Thus, bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) may be introduced via household members, animals, or the water supply from external habitats into private households and vice versa. Since data on antibiotic resistance (ABR) in the domestic environment are limited, this study aimed to determine the abundance of β-lactamase, mobile colistin resistance, and class 1 integron genes and the correlation of their presence and to characterize phenotypically resistant strains in 54 private households in Germany. Additionally, the persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria during automated dishwashing compared to that during laundering was assessed. Shower drains, washing machines, and dishwashers were sampled and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Resistant strains were isolated, followed by identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing using a Vitek 2 system. The results showed a significantly higher relative ARG abundance of 0.2367 ARG copies/16S rRNA gene copies in shower drains than in dishwashers (0.1329 ARG copies/16S rRNA gene copies) and washing machines (0.0006 ARG copies/16S rRNA gene copies). bla CMY-2, bla ACT/MIR, and bla OXA-48 were the most prevalent ARG, and intI1 occurred in 96.3% of the households, while no mcr genes were detected. Several β-lactamase genes co-occurred, and the resistance of bacterial isolates correlated positively with genotypic resistance, with carbapenemase genes dominating across isolates. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were significantly reduced during automated dishwashing as well as laundering tests and did not differ from susceptible strains. Overall, the domestic environment may represent a potential reservoir of β-lactamase genes and β-lactam-resistant bacteria, with shower drains being the dominant source of ABR.IMPORTANCE The abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ARGs is steadily increasing and has been comprehensively analyzed in natural environments, animals, foods, and wastewater treatment plants. In this respect, β-lactams and colistin are of particular interest due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Despite the connection of private households to these environments, only a few studies have focused on the domestic environment so far. Therefore, the present study further investigated the occurrence of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in shower drains, washing machines, and dishwashers. The analysis of the domestic environment as a potential reservoir of resistant bacteria is crucial to determine whether households contribute to the spread of ABR or may be a habitat where resistant bacteria from the natural environment, humans, food, or water are selected due to the use of detergents, antimicrobial products, and antibiotics. Furthermore, ABR could limit the options for the treatment of infections arising in the domestic environment.
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Impact of mixed biofilm formation with environmental microorganisms on E. coli O157:H7 survival against sanitization. NPJ Sci Food 2020; 4:16. [PMID: 33083548 PMCID: PMC7560865 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-020-00076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by foodborne pathogens is a serious threat to food safety and public health. Meat processing plants may harbor various microorganisms and occasional foodborne pathogens; thus, the environmental microbial community might impact pathogen survival via mixed biofilm formation. We collected floor drain samples from two beef plants with different E. coli O157:H7 prevalence history and investigated the effects of the environmental microorganisms on pathogen sanitizer tolerance. The results showed that biofilm forming ability and bacterial species composition varied considerably based on the plants and drain locations. E. coli O157:H7 cells obtained significantly higher sanitizer tolerance in mixed biofilms by samples from the plant with recurrent E. coli O157:H7 prevalence than those mixed with samples from the other plant. The mixed biofilm that best protected E. coli O157:H7 also had the highest species diversity. The percentages of the species were altered significantly after sanitization, suggesting that the community composition affects the role and tolerance level of each individual species. Therefore, the unique environmental microbial community, their ability to form biofilms on contact surfaces and the interspecies interactions all play roles in E. coli O157:H7 persistence by either enhancing or reducing pathogen survival within the biofilm community.
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Xue N, Wang L, Li W, Wang S, Pan X, Zhang D. Increased inheritance of structure and function of bacterial communities and pathogen propagation in plastisphere along a river with increasing antibiotics pollution gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114641. [PMID: 32505934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris provides a stable substrate and novel ecological niche for microorganisms in the aquatic environment, which was referred to as "Plastisphere". Little is known about distribution patterns and responses of ecological function and structure of microbial communities in the plastisphere along rivers which usually have antibiotics pollution gradient. In this study, the differences in the community structure between the plastisphere and the planktonic bacteria, and their spatial variation of the community structure and function along a river with increased antibiotics pollution gradient was investigated at the watershed scale. The diversity of bacteria colonized on most plastic debris was higher than in surrounding water. Plastic debris could accumulate a higher abundance of some potential pathogens than surrounding water even at high antibiotics concentrations. The source tracking results showed that downstream plastisphere inherited much higher proportions of bacterial taxa from upstream than planktonic bacteria. About 92.3-99.7% of bacteria communities in downstream water were not from upstream but from the input of downstream human activities. On the contrary, high proportions of bacterial taxa in downstream plastisphere were closely connected to upstream. The plastisphere possesses higher ecological functional diversity than the planktonic bacteria. Seventy nine functional groups across plastisphere were predicted using functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa and only 65 functional groups were found in the planktonic bacteria. Plastisphere also acts as hotspot for biogeochemical cycling of nutrients such as N and S. Intensive human activities of urban and downstream agriculture and aquaculture had great effects on microbial community structure and functional groups of the Urumqi River. Pastisphere communities are much more resistant to human disturbance than planktonic bacteria. Compared to surrounding water, plastisphere increased inheritance from upstream microbial structure and function and also increased survival and propagation of pathogens in the downstream water with high concentrations of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liyi Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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32
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Attempted Isolation of Cryptococcus Species and Incidental Isolation of Exophiala dermatitidis from Human Oral Cavities. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:1051-1055. [PMID: 32949296 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent molecular studies suggest that Cryptococcus may inhabit the normal human mouth. We attempted to isolate Cryptococcus from 21 adult non-acutely ill patients and 40 volunteer medical and non-medical staff in Southeastern Wisconsin, USA. An upper lip sulcus culture and an oral rinse specimen were inoculated separately onto Staib (birdseed) agar containing chloramphenicol and incubated in gas impermeable zip lock bags at 35 °C. No cryptococci were grown from any of the 122 samples from the 61 subjects. Both specimens from a woman with no risk factors for fungal disease yielded a black yeast at 4 days on Staib agar. This isolate was shown to be Exophiala dermatitidis by colony and microscopic morphology, analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and sequencing through the internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA gene. This appears to be a novel isolation of E. dermatitidis from the oral cavity of a generally healthy human.
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Congestri R, Savio S, Farrotti S, Amati A, Krasojevic K, Perini N, Costa F, Migliore L. Developing a microbial consortium for removing nutrients in dishwasher wastewater: towards a biofilter for its up-cycling. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 82:1142-1154. [PMID: 33055404 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial consortia are effective biofilters to treat wastewaters, allowing for resource recovery and water remediation. To reuse and save water in the domestic cycle, we assembled a suspended biofilm, a 'biofilter' to treat dishwasher wastewater. Bacterial monocultures of both photo- and heterotrophs were assembled in an increasingly complex fashion to test their nutrient stripping capacity. This 'biofilter' is the core of an integrated system (Zero Mile System) devoted to reusing and upcycling of reconditioned wastewater, partly in subsequent dishwasher cycles and partly into a vertical garden for plant food cultivation. The biofilter was assembled based on a strain of the photosynthetic, filamentous cyanobacterium Trichormus variabilis, selected to produce an oxygen evolving scaffold, and three heterotrophic aerobic bacterial isolates coming from the dishwasher wastewater itself: Acinetobacter, Exiguobacterium and Pseudomonas spp. The consortium was constructed starting with 16 isolates tested one-to-one with T. variabilis and then selecting the heterotrophic microbes up to a final one-to-three consortium, which included two dominant and a rare component of the wastewater community. This consortium thrives in the wastewater much better than T. variabilis alone, efficiently stripping N and P in short time, a pivotal step for the reuse and saving of water in household appliances.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Congestri
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail:
| | - S Savio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail:
| | - S Farrotti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail:
| | - A Amati
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail: ; Department of Design, Polytechnic University of Milan, Via Durando 38/A, Milan 20158, Italy
| | - K Krasojevic
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail: ; Department of Design, Polytechnic University of Milan, Via Durando 38/A, Milan 20158, Italy
| | - N Perini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail:
| | - F Costa
- Department of Design, Polytechnic University of Milan, Via Durando 38/A, Milan 20158, Italy
| | - L Migliore
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome 00133, Italy E-mail:
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Abstract
AbstractChaetothyriales is an ascomycetous order within Eurotiomycetes. The order is particularly known through the black yeasts and filamentous relatives that cause opportunistic infections in humans. All species in the order are consistently melanized. Ecology and habitats of species are highly diverse, and often rather extreme in terms of exposition and toxicity. Families are defined on the basis of evolutionary history, which is reconstructed by time of divergence and concepts of comparative biology using stochastical character mapping and a multi-rate Brownian motion model to reconstruct ecological ancestral character states. Ancestry is hypothesized to be with a rock-inhabiting life style. Ecological disparity increased significantly in late Jurassic, probably due to expansion of cytochromes followed by colonization of vacant ecospaces. Dramatic diversification took place subsequently, but at a low level of innovation resulting in strong niche conservatism for extant taxa. Families are ecologically different in degrees of specialization. One of the clades has adapted ant domatia, which are rich in hydrocarbons. In derived families, similar processes have enabled survival in domesticated environments rich in creosote and toxic hydrocarbons, and this ability might also explain the pronounced infectious ability of vertebrate hosts observed in these families. Conventional systems of morphological classification poorly correspond with recent phylogenetic data. Species are hypothesized to have low competitive ability against neighboring microbes, which interferes with their laboratory isolation on routine media. The dataset is unbalanced in that a large part of the extant biodiversity has not been analyzed by molecular methods, novel taxonomic entities being introduced at a regular pace. Our study comprises all available species sequenced to date for LSU and ITS, and a nomenclatural overview is provided. A limited number of species could not be assigned to any extant family.
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35
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Novak Babič M, Gostinčar C, Gunde-Cimerman N. Microorganisms populating the water-related indoor biome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6443-6462. [PMID: 32533304 PMCID: PMC7347518 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Modernisation of our households created novel opportunities for microbial growth and thus changed the array of microorganisms we come in contact with. While many studies have investigated microorganisms in the air and dust, tap water, another major input of microbial propagules, has received far less attention. The quality of drinking water in developed world is strictly regulated to prevent immediate danger to human health. However, fungi, algae, protists and bacteria of less immediate concern are usually not screened for. These organisms can thus use water as a vector of transmission into the households, especially if they are resistant to various water treatment procedures. Good tolerance of unfavourable abiotic conditions is also important for survival once microbes enter the household. Limitation of water availability, high or low temperatures, application of antimicrobial chemicals and other measures are taken to prevent indoor microbial overgrowth. These conditions, together with a large number of novel chemicals in our homes, shape the diversity and abundance of indoor microbiota through constant selection of the most resilient species, resulting in a substantial overlap in diversity of indoor and natural extreme environments. At least in fungi, extremotolerance has been linked to human pathogenicity, explaining why many species found in novel indoor habitats (such as dishwasher) are notable opportunistic pathogens. As a result, microorganisms that often enter our households with water and are then enriched in novel indoor habitats might have a hitherto underestimated impact on the well-being of the increasingly indoor-bound human population. KEY POINTS: Domestic environment harbours a large diversity of microorganisms. Microbiota of water-related indoor habitats mainly originates from tap water. Bathrooms, kitchens and household appliances select for polyextremotolerant species. Many household-related microorganisms are human opportunistic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Azeem M, Sun D, Crowley D, Hayat R, Hussain Q, Ali A, Tahir MI, Jeyasundar PGSA, Rinklebe J, Zhang Z. Crop types have stronger effects on soil microbial communities and functionalities than biochar or fertilizer during two cycles of legume-cereal rotations of dry land. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:136958. [PMID: 32032990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The addition of biochar to agricultural fields has been widely studied, but most of these studies have emphasized its effects by growing a single type of crop over short- to long-term time spans. Additionally, a limited number of studies have focused on the soil microbial community composition with respect to biochar addition in legume-cereal crop rotation. In this study, we examined soil microbial community structures by adding biochar (0, 5, and 10 t ha-1) and fertilizer (nitrogen-N, phosphorous-P and potassium-K) during 2 cycles of mash bean and wheat rotations. The results showed that the bacterial (16S rRNA) gene abundance was often increased by biochar addition in the presence of mash bean (Vigna mungo L.) but not wheat. When the soil received fertilizer, the bacterial gene abundance was less responsive to biochar addition. Fungal (ITS rRNA) copy numbers were enhanced by biochar and fertilizer in presence of wheat but were decreased in the presence of mash bean. Fertilizer addition also resulted in less change in ITS genes after biochar addition. Microbial functional groups including Gram+, Gram- and Pseudomonas bacteria were stimulated by biochar or fertilizer only in mash bean soils, while mycorrhizae were significantly increased by biochar in wheat soils. Although biochar addition affected soil properties, microbial community assays were not greatly altered by these physicochemical properties. In conclusion, the crop type played a decisive role, rather than biochar or fertilizer addition, in shaping microbial community structures (16S and ITS phyla) during crop rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azeem
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA; Institute of Soil Science, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Daquan Sun
- Biology Center, Institute of Soil Biology & SoWa Research Infrastructure, Czech Academy of Science, Na Sadkach 7, Ceske Budejovice, CZ 37005, Czech Republic
| | - David Crowley
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Rifat Hayat
- Institute of Soil Science, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Qaiser Hussain
- Institute of Soil Science, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Ali
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | | | | | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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Gilbert RA, Townsend EM, Crew KS, Hitch TCA, Friedersdorff JCA, Creevey CJ, Pope PB, Ouwerkerk D, Jameson E. Rumen Virus Populations: Technological Advances Enhancing Current Understanding. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:450. [PMID: 32273870 PMCID: PMC7113391 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rumen contains a multi-kingdom, commensal microbiome, including protozoa, bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses, which enables ruminant herbivores to ferment and utilize plant feedstuffs that would be otherwise indigestible. Within the rumen, virus populations are diverse and highly abundant, often out-numbering the microbial populations that they both predate on and co-exist with. To date the research effort devoted to understanding rumen-associated viral populations has been considerably less than that given to the other microbial populations, yet their contribution to maintaining microbial population balance, intra-ruminal microbial lysis, fiber breakdown, nutrient cycling and genetic transfer may be highly significant. This review follows the technological advances which have contributed to our current understanding of rumen viruses and drawing on knowledge from other environmental and animal-associated microbiomes, describes the known and potential roles and impacts viruses have on rumen function and speculates on the future directions of rumen viral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind A. Gilbert
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Eleanor M. Townsend
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Kathleen S. Crew
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas C. A. Hitch
- Functional Microbiome Research Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jessica C. A. Friedersdorff
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Creevey
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip B. Pope
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Diane Ouwerkerk
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Eleanor Jameson
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Brands B, Schulze Struchtrup S, Stamminger R, Bockmühl DP. A method to evaluate factors influencing the microbial reduction in domestic dishwashers. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 128:1324-1338. [PMID: 31872930 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To develop a method that is able to determine the microbial reduction in different dishwasher cleaning cycles and differentiate between different program parameters used. METHODS AND RESULTS Stainless steel biomonitors were contaminated with Micrococcus luteus or Entereococcus faecium and cleaned in a specially programmed household dishwasher with different cleaning temperatures and durations. No detergent, bleach-free detergent or detergent containing activated oxygen bleach was used. The logarithmic reduction (LR) was determined. The microbial reduction depended on the cleaning temperature, the duration of the cleaning cycles and the detergent type used. LR increased with higher temperatures, longer cleaning cycles and use of detergent. CONCLUSIONS The factors cleaning cycle temperature, cleaning cycle duration, final rinsing temperature and the use of detergent all contributed to the reduction of test-strains in dishwasher cycles. A combination of longer dishwashing cycles and increased temperatures resulted in LRmax of the microbial load. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Cycles in domestic appliances are very diverse; therefore a standardized method to determine their ability to reduce the microbial load is of great use. The method described here is able to demonstrate the reductions achieved by dishwashing cycles with different parameters and might help to find the necessary balance between energy saving and an acceptable level of hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Brands
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Kleve, Germany
| | | | - R Stamminger
- Household and Appliance Technology Section, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - D P Bockmühl
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Kleve, Germany
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Zupančič J, Turk M, Črnigoj M, Ambrožič Avguštin J, Gunde-Cimerman N. The dishwasher rubber seal acts as a reservoir of bacteria in the home environment. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:300. [PMID: 31856722 PMCID: PMC6924085 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1674-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In modern lifestyles, people make their everyday tasks easier by using household appliances, for example dishwashers. Previous studies showed massive contamination of dishwasher rubber seals with fungi, thus bacterial community, able to survive under harsh conditions, remain undetermined. Methods Bacteria that colonise the extreme environment of household dishwasher rubber seals were investigated using cultivation-dependent and metagenomic approaches. All bacterial isolates were tested for resistance to seven selected antibiotics. Same time bacterial diversity of tap water, connected to the dishwashers was investigated. Results All 30 dishwashers investigated were colonised by various bacteria. Cultivation approaches resulted in 632 bacterial isolates in total, belonging to four phyla, eight classes, 40 genera and 74 species. The majority were Gram-positive, as solely Firmicutes (dominated by the Bacillus cereus group) and Actinobacteria. Gammaproteobacteria were primarily represented by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Metagenomic assessment of the bacterial biodiversity of the dishwasher rubber seals confirmed the predominance of Gram-positive bacteria, as primarily Actinobacteria, followed by Proteobacteria dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, and by pathogenic species such as Escherichia sp., Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter sp.. Metagenomic assessment of bacterial biodiversity in the tap water connected to dishwashers revealed predominance of Gram-negative bacteria, in particular Proteobacteria, mainly represented by Tepidimonas sp.. Actinobacteria showed low numbers while no Firmicutes were detected in the tap water. The bacterial diversity of tap water was also lower, 23 genera compared to 39 genera on dishwasher rubber seals. Only 13 out of 49 genera identified by metagenomics approach was found in both environments, of those Gordonia was enriched while half of 13 genera were depleted in dishwashers compared to tap water. Conclusions These data indicate that colonisation of dishwasher rubber seals probably depends primarily on the bacterial input from the dirty vessels, and much less on the bacteria in the tap water. Based on the antibiotic resistance data, the dishwasher rubber seal bacterial isolates do not represent a serious threat for the spread of antibiotic resistance into the household environment. Nevertheless dishwashers cannot be ignored as potential sources of human infections, in particular for immuno-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Zupančič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Martina Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Črnigoj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CIPKeBiP), Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Parthasarathy A, Wong NH, Weiss AN, Tian S, Ali SE, Cavanaugh NT, Chinsky TM, Cramer CE, Gupta A, Jha R, Johnson LK, Tuason ED, Klafehn LM, Krishnadas V, Musich RJ, Pfaff JM, Richman SC, Shumway AJ, Hudson AO. SELfies and CELLfies: Whole Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Five Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Isolated from the Surfaces of Smartphones, An Inquiry Based Laboratory Exercise in a Genomics Undergraduate Course at the Rochester Institute of Technology. J Genomics 2019; 7:26-30. [PMID: 30820259 PMCID: PMC6389494 DOI: 10.7150/jgen.31911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Are touchscreen devices a public health risk for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics? To investigate this, we embarked on a project aimed at isolating and identifying bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics from the screens of smartphones. Touchscreen devices have become ubiquitous in society, and it is important to evaluate the potential risks they pose towards public health, especially as it pertains to the harboring and transmission of pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Sixteen bacteria were initially isolated of which five were unique (four Staphylococcus species and one Micrococcus species). The genomes of the five unique isolates were subsequently sequenced and annotated. The genomes were analyzed using in silico tools to predict the synthesis of antibiotics and secondary metabolites using the antibiotics and Secondary Metabolite Analysis SHell (antiSMASH) tool in addition to the presence of gene clusters that denote resistance to antibiotics using the Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) tool. In vivo analysis was also done to assess resistance/susceptibility to four antibiotics that are commonly used in a research laboratory setting. The data presented in this manuscript is the result of a semester-long inquiry based laboratory exercise in the genomics course (BIOL340) in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences/College of Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Narayan H Wong
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Amanda N Weiss
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Susan Tian
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Sara E Ali
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Nicole T Cavanaugh
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Tyler M Chinsky
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Chelsea E Cramer
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Aditya Gupta
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Rakshanda Jha
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Loryn K Johnson
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Tuason
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Lauren M Klafehn
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Varada Krishnadas
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Ryan J Musich
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Jennifer M Pfaff
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Spencer C Richman
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Alexandria J Shumway
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - André O Hudson
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
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Parthasarathy A, Tyler AC, Hoffman MJ, Savka MA, Hudson AO. Is Plastic Pollution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments a Driver for the Transmission of Pathogens and the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:1744-1745. [PMID: 30702278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b07287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences , Rochester Institute of Technology , Rochester New York United States
| | - Anna Christina Tyler
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences , Rochester Institute of Technology , Rochester New York United States
| | - Matthew J Hoffman
- The School of Mathematical Sciences , Rochester Institute of Technology , Rochester New York United States
| | - Michael A Savka
- The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences , Rochester Institute of Technology , Rochester New York United States
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Egert M. Honor Thy Lodgers? – Structure and Function of the Human Built Environment Microbiome. TENSIDE SURFACT DET 2018. [DOI: 10.3139/113.110577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe microbiome of the built environment (BE) and its interactions with the human occupants represent a new and highly interdisciplinary research field. The BE is characterized by a great microbial diversity as well as very fluctuating environmental conditions and sharp gradients of physicochemical parameters, which significantly shape the resident microbiomes. A great significance of the BE microbiome for human health is obvious, but far from being fully understood. However, there is a growing body of evidence that antimicrobial and probiotic strategies will have to be balanced in a well-considered manner to successfully manage the BE microbiome in a way that finally is most beneficial for human health.
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Zupančič J, Raghupathi PK, Houf K, Burmølle M, Sørensen SJ, Gunde-Cimerman N. Synergistic Interactions in Microbial Biofilms Facilitate the Establishment of Opportunistic Pathogenic Fungi in Household Dishwashers. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:21. [PMID: 29441043 PMCID: PMC5797641 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed on rubber seals in dishwashers harbor diverse microbiota. In this study, we focussed on the microbial composition of bacteria and fungi, isolated from a defined area of one square centimeter of rubber from four domestic dishwashers and assessed their abilities to in vitro multispecies biofilm formation. A total of 80 isolates (64 bacterial and 16 fungal) were analyzed. Multiple combinations of bacterial isolates from each dishwasher were screened for synergistic interactions. 32 out of 140 tested (23%) four-species bacterial combinations displayed consistent synergism leading to an overall increase in biomass, in all experimental trails. Bacterial isolates from two of the four dishwashers generated a high number of synergistically interacting four-species consortia. Network based correlation analyses also showed higher co-occurrence patterns observed between bacterial members in the same two dishwasher samples, indicating cooperative effects. Furthermore, two synergistic four-species bacterial consortia were tested for their abilities to incorporate an opportunistic fungal pathogen, Exophiala dermatitidis and their establishment as biofilms on sterile ethylene propylene diene monomer M-class (EPDM) rubber and polypropylene (PP) surfaces. When the bacterial consortia included E. dermatitidis, the overall cell numbers of both bacteria and fungi increased and a substantial increase in biofilm biomass was observed. These results indicate a novel phenomenon of cross kingdom synergy in biofilm formation and these observations could have potential implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Zupančič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Prem K Raghupathi
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory of Hygiene and Technology, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kurt Houf
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Technology, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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