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Serville-Tertullien M, Charlemagne K, Eristhee N, McDermott K, Majury A, Schirmer T, Sultana T, Metcalfe CD. Sources of microbial contamination in the watershed and coastal zone of Soufriere, St. Lucia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:225. [PMID: 35217908 PMCID: PMC8881191 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goal 6 calls for global progress by 2030 in treating domestic wastewater and providing access to adequate sanitation facilities. However, meeting these goals will be a challenge for most Small Island Developing States, including Caribbean island nations. In the nearshore zone of the Soufriere region on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, there is a history of high levels of bacteria of fecal origin. Possible land-based sources of microbial contamination in the Soufriere Bay include discharges from the Soufriere River and transport of wastewater, including fecal material from the town of Soufriere. This area is an important tourist destination and supports a local fishery. To identify the sources of microbial contamination in Soufriere Bay, a range of monitoring methods were employed in this study. In grab samples of surface water collected from the Soufriere River, counts of total coliforms and Escherichia coli were elevated above water quality guidelines. However, the spikes in concentrations of these indicator organisms in the river did not necessarily coincide with the spikes in the levels of total coliforms and E. coli detected in samples collected on the same dates in Soufriere Bay, indicating that there are other sources of pollution in the Bay besides discharges from the river. Monitoring for chemical indicators of wastewater (i.e., caffeine, sucralose, fluconazole) in the Soufriere River indicated that there are inputs of sewage or human fecal material throughout the watershed. However, analysis of Bacteroidales 16S rRNA genetic markers for fecal bacteria originating from humans, bovine ruminants, or other warm-blooded animals indicated that the majority of microbial contamination in the river was not from humans. Monitoring for chemical indicators of wastewater using passive samplers deployed in Soufriere Bay indicated that there are two "hot spots" of contamination located offshore of economically depressed areas of the town of Soufriere. This study indicates that efforts to control contamination of Soufriere Bay by fecal microorganisms must include management of pollution originating from both sewage and domestic animals in the watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Newton Eristhee
- Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Castries, Saint Lucia
| | | | | | - Timo Schirmer
- Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bonn, Germany
- AFRY Deutschland GmbH, North Rhine-Westphalia, Essen, Germany
| | - Tamanna Sultana
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Chris D Metcalfe
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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Koh XP, Shen Z, Woo CF, Yu Y, Lun HI, Cheung SW, Kwan JKC, Lau SCK. Genetic and Ecological Diversity of Escherichia coli and Cryptic Escherichia Clades in Subtropical Aquatic Environments. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:811755. [PMID: 35250929 PMCID: PMC8891540 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.811755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli not only inhabit the large intestines of human and warm-blooded animals but could also persist in the external environment. However, current knowledge was largely based on host-associated strains. Moreover, cryptic Escherichia clades that were often misidentified as E. coli by conventional diagnostic methods were discovered. Failure to distinguish them from E. coli sensu stricto could lead to inaccurate conclusions about the population genetics of E. coli. Based on seven housekeeping genes, we determine the genetic and ecological diversity of E. coli and cryptic clades as they occupy aquatic habitats with different characteristics and human impact levels in subtropical Hong Kong. Contrary to previous reports, clade II was the most abundant cryptic lineage co-isolated with E. coli, being especially abundant in relatively pristine subtropical aquatic environments. The phylogenetically distinct cryptic clades and E. coli showed limited recombination and significant genetic divergence. Analyses indicated that these clade II strains were ecologically differentiated from typical E. coli; some may even represent novel environmental Escherichia clades that were closely related to the original clade II strains of fecal origins. E. coli of diverse origins exhibited clonality amidst divergent genotypes STs, echoing other studies in that recombination in housekeeping genes was insufficient to disrupt phylogenetic signals of the largely clonal E. coli. Notably, environmental E. coli were less diverse than fecal isolates despite contributing many new alleles and STs. Finally, we demonstrated that human activities influenced the distribution of E. coli and clade II in a small aquatic continuum. Moving from relatively pristine sites toward areas with higher human disturbance, the abundance of clade II isolates and new E. coli genotypes reduces, while E. coli bearing class I integrons and belonging to CCs of public health concern accumulates. Altogether, this work revealed the new genetic diversity of E. coli and cryptic clades embedded in selected subtropical aquatic habitats, especially relatively pristine sites, which will aid a more thorough understanding of the extent of their genetic and functional variations in relation to diverse habitats with varied conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Pei Koh
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Fai Woo
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanping Yu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hau In Lun
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Wan Cheung
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joseph Kai Cho Kwan
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stanley Chun Kwan Lau
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Stanley Chun Kwan Lau,
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Colaiuda V, Di Giacinto F, Lombardi A, Ippoliti C, Giansante C, Latini M, Mascilongo G, Di Renzo L, Berti M, Conte A, Ferri N, Verdecchia M, Tomassetti B. Evaluating the impact of hydrometeorological conditions on E. coli concentration in farmed mussels and clams: experience in Central Italy. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:512-533. [PMID: 34152303 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Highly populated coastal environments receive large quantities of treated and untreated wastewater from human and industrial sources. Bivalve molluscs accumulate and retain contaminants, and their analysis provides evidence of past contamination. Rivers and precipitation are major routes of bacteriological pollution from surface or sub-surface runoff flowing into coastal areas. However, relationships between runoff, precipitation, and bacterial contamination are site-specific and dependent on the physiographical characteristics of each catchment. In this work, we evaluated the influence of precipitation and river discharge on molluscs' Escherichia coli concentrations at three sites in Central Italy, aiming at quantifying how hydrometeorological conditions affect bacteriological contamination of selected bivalve production areas. Rank-order correlation analysis indicated a stronger association between E. coli concentrations and the modelled Pescara River discharge maxima (r = 0.69) than between E. coli concentration and rainfall maxima (r = 0.35). Discharge peaks from the Pescara River caused an increase in E. coli concentration in bivalves in 87% of cases, provided that the runoff peak occurred 1-6 days prior to the sampling date. Precipitation in coastal area was linked to almost 60% of cases of E. coli high concentrations and may enhance bacterial transportation offshore, when associated with a larger-scale weather system, which causes overflow occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Colaiuda
- CETEMPS, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy E-mail: ; Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacinto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Carla Ippoliti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Carla Giansante
- Agenzia Regionale per la Tutela dell'Ambiente - ARTA Abruzzo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Mario Latini
- World Organization for Animal Health - OIE, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppina Mascilongo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Miriam Berti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Conte
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Marco Verdecchia
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Huda TMN, Schmidt WP, Pickering AJ, Unicomb L, Mahmud ZH, Luby SP, Biran A. Effect of Neighborhood Sanitation Coverage on Fecal Contamination of the Household Environment in Rural Bangladesh. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:717-726. [PMID: 30675846 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteric pathogens can be transmitted within the household and the surrounding neighborhood. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of neighborhood-level sanitation coverage on contamination of the household environment with levels of fecal indicator bacteria in rural Bangladesh. We conducted spot-check observations of sanitation facilities in neighboring households (NHs) within a 20-m radius of target households with children aged 6-24 months. Sanitation facilities were defined as improved (a private pit latrine with a slab or better) or unimproved. Fecal coliforms (FCs) on children's hands and sentinel toy balls were measured and used as indicators of household-level fecal contamination. We visited 1,784 NHs surrounding 428 target households. On average, sentinel toy balls had 2.11(standard deviation [SD] = 1.37) log10 colony-forming units (CFUs) of FCs/toy ball and children's hands had 2.23 (SD = 1.15) log10 CFU of FCs/two hands. Access to 100% private improved sanitation coverage in the neighborhood was associated with a small and statistically insignificant difference in contamination of sentinel toy balls (difference in means = -0.13 log10 CFU/toy ball; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -0.64, 0.39; P = 0.63) and children's hands (difference in means = -0.11 log10 CFU/two hands; 95% CI: -0.53, 0.32; P = 0.62). Improved sanitation coverage in the neighborhood had limited measurable effect on FCs in the target household environment. Other factors such as access to improved sanitation in the household, absence of cow dung, presence of appropriate water drainage, and optimal handwashing practice may be more important in reducing FCs in the household environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Md Nurul Huda
- icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam Biran
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Santiago-Rodriguez TM, Toranzos GA, Arce-Nazario JA. Assessing the microbial quality of a tropical watershed with an urbanization gradient using traditional and alternate fecal indicators. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2016; 14:796-807. [PMID: 27740545 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2016.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization affects the microbial loading into tropical streams, but its impact on water quality varies across watersheds. Rainfall in tropical environments also complicates microbial dynamics due to high seasonal and annual variations. Understanding the dynamics of fecal contamination in tropical surface waters may be further hindered by limitations from the utilization of traditional microbial indicators. We measured traditional (Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli), as well as alternate (enterophages and coliphages) indicators of fecal contamination in a tropical watershed in Puerto Rico during a 1-year period, and examined their relationship with rainfall events across an urbanization gradient. Enterococcus spp. and E. coli concentrations were 4 to 5 logs higher in non-urbanized or pristine sites when compared to enterophages and coliphages, suggesting that traditional fecal indicator bacteria may be natural inhabitants of pristine tropical waters. All of the tested indicators were positively correlated with rainfall and urbanization, except in the most urbanized sites, where rainfall may have had a dilution effect. The present study indicates that utilizing novel indicators of microbial water quality may improve the assessment of fecal contamination and pathogen risk for tropical watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha M Santiago-Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407, USA and Center for Applications in Biotechnology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Gary A Toranzos
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan PR 00932, Puerto Rico
| | - Javier A Arce-Nazario
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey PR 00736, Puerto Rico and Instituto de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey PR 00736, Puerto Rico E-mail:
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6
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Wade C, Otero E, Poon-Kwong B, Rozier R, Bachoon D. Detection of human-derived fecal contamination in Puerto Rico using carbamazepine, HF183 Bacteroides, and fecal indicator bacteria. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 101:872-877. [PMID: 26586513 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The level of fecal pollution in 17 sites in Puerto Rico was determined by Escherichia coli (E.coli) enumeration using an enzyme substrate medium and Quanti-Tray®/2000. Human fecal pollution was identified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of carbamazepine (CBZ) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection of the human Bacteroides marker, HF183. Carbamazepine was detected in 16 out of 17 sites, including Condado Lagoon, a popular recreational area. Elevated E.coli levels (>410 CFU 100 mL(-1)) were detected in 13 sites. Average CBZ concentrations ranged from 0.005 μg L(-1) to 0.482 μg L(-1) and 7 sites were positive for HF183. Higher CBZ concentrations were associated with the detection of HF183 (Mann-Whitney test; U=42.0; df=7; 1-tailed P value=0.013). This was the second study to determine surface water concentrations of CBZ in the Caribbean and the first in Puerto Rico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wade
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, P.O. Box 9013, Mayaguez, PR 00681, USA.
| | - Ernesto Otero
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, P.O. Box 9013, Mayaguez, PR 00681, USA
| | - Brennan Poon-Kwong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA
| | - Ralph Rozier
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA
| | - Dave Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA
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7
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Mugnai R, Sattamini A, Albuquerque dos Santos JA, Regua-Mangia AH. A Survey of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the Hyporheic Zone of a Subtropical Stream: Their Bacteriological, Physicochemical and Environmental Relationships. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129382. [PMID: 26067288 PMCID: PMC4466359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hyporheic Zone is among the most important interstitial freshwater habitats, but the relationship between biotic and abiotic factors in this zone remains under-explored. Enterobacteria were expected to be present, but no specific studies had ever confirmed this prediction. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in hyporheic water and to determine the relationship of the physical, chemical and environmental factors at different depths in a rainforest stream. To this end, thirty-six water samples were collected at three depths in sites located in the first, second and third orders in diverse substrates. The total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were evaluated in terms of their CFU/ml. In the interstitial samples, coliforms were detected in 100% of the samples. The total coliform counts had higher values at intermediate depths, while E. coli and Salmonella spp. instead had higher values at intermediate and large depths, often reaching or exceeding the values of the surface samples. Our results revealed that Salmonella spp. and the coliforms have different microhabitat preferences. Salmonella spp. and coliform species prefer deposition areas, such as lateral sides of pools, curves and bars, but they have a tendency to distribute into different depths, likely due to temperature differences. Salmonella spp. prefer compact substrata, with fewer fluids passing through and with upwelling areas with lower oxygen inflow. The coliform species showed the opposite preference. Our results suggest that bacterial variation is related to environmental factors and physical-chemical parameters within the HZ and may play a key role in the microbial diversity and distribution in these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Mugnai
- Laboratorio de Aracnologia, Departamento de Invertebrados Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Sattamini
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Hamond Regua-Mangia
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular de Doenças Infecciosas/Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Whitman R, Harwood VJ, Edge TA, Nevers M, Byappanahalli M, Vijayavel K, Brandão J, Sadowsky MJ, Alm EW, Crowe A, Ferguson D, Ge Z, Halliday E, Kinzelman J, Kleinheinz G, Przybyla-Kelly K, Staley C, Staley Z, Solo-Gabriele HM. Microbes in Beach Sands: Integrating Environment, Ecology and Public Health. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2014; 13:329-368. [PMID: 25383070 PMCID: PMC4219924 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-014-9340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand environments belie the thriving communities found there. Physical factors, such as water availability and protection from insolation; biological factors, such as competition, predation, and biofilm formation; and nutrient availability all contribute to the characteristics of the micropsammon. Sand microbial communities include autochthonous species/phylotypes indigenous to the environment. Allochthonous microbes, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and waterborne pathogens, are deposited via waves, runoff, air, or animals. The fate of these microbes ranges from death, to transient persistence and/or replication, to establishment of thriving populations (naturalization) and integration in the autochthonous community. Transport of the micropsammon within the habitat occurs both horizontally across the beach, and vertically from the sand surface and ground water table, as well as at various scales including interstitial flow within sand pores, sediment transport for particle-associated microbes, and the large-scale processes of wave action and terrestrial runoff. The concept of beach sand as a microbial habitat and reservoir of FIB and pathogens has begun to influence our thinking about human health effects associated with sand exposure and recreational water use. A variety of pathogens have been reported from beach sands, and recent epidemiology studies have found some evidence of health risks associated with sand exposure. Persistent or replicating populations of FIB and enteric pathogens have consequences for watershed/beach management strategies and regulatory standards for safe beaches. This review summarizes our understanding of the community structure, ecology, fate, transport, and public health implications of microbes in beach sand. It concludes with recommendations for future work in this vastly under-studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, SCA 110, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Meredith Nevers
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Muruleedhara Byappanahalli
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Kannappan Vijayavel
- Environmental Health Division, Ottawa County Health Department, 12251 James Street, Suite 200, Holland, MI, 49424, USA
- Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan, 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909. USA
| | - João Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael J. Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wheeler Alm
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Allan Crowe
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Donna Ferguson
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Zhongfu Ge
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | | | - Julie Kinzelman
- Department of Public Health, City of Racine, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 109, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - Greg Kleinheinz
- Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
| | - Kasia Przybyla-Kelly
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Christopher Staley
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Zachery Staley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Building Room 252, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA and, Oceans and Human Health Center, University of Miami Rosenstiel, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
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Chen HJ, Chang H. Response of discharge, TSS, and E. coli to rainfall events in urban, suburban, and rural watersheds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:2313-2324. [PMID: 25096028 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00327f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding dominant processes influencing microorganism responses to storm events aids in the development of effective management controls on pathogen contamination in surface water so that they are suitable for water supply, recreation, and aquatic habitat. Despite the urgent needs at present, numerous facets of microbial transport and fate are still poorly understood. Using correlation and multiple regression combined with spatial analyses, this paper evaluates the relationship between antecedent precipitation and discharge, TSS, and E. coli concentrations, and examines correlations between E. coli and TSS, as well as whether and how those relationships change along an urban and rural gradient. The urban watershed exhibited a faster and stronger response of streamflow, TSS, and E. coli to precipitation mainly due to its higher degree of imperviousness. In general, TSS was significantly correlated with E. coli concentrations, which linearly decreased as % developed area increased, with large variation in regions with a high percentage of development, implying the more complex stormwater infrastructure and more variable pollutant sources of E. coli in the urban watershed. Seasonal differences for E. coli were noted. Specifically, summer showed a higher level of E. coli, which might be attributed to the higher temperature since E. coli is more likely to persist and grow in a warmer environment. Further multiple linear regression analyses showed the best E. coli prediction result for the largest, suburban watershed, using antecedent precipitation, TSS, and temperature as independent variables. The models are capable of explaining 60% and 50% of the variability in the E. coli concentration for the dry and wet season, respectively. The study not only provides more detailed and accurate characterization of the storm-period response of E. coli across an urban and rural gradient, but also lays a foundation for predicting the concentration of E. coli in practice, potentially suggesting effective watershed management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Chen
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis. One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA
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Durso LM. Primary isolation of shiga toxigenic from environmental sources. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2013; 42:1295-1307. [PMID: 24216409 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2013.02.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since the time of the first microbe hunters, primary culture and isolation of bacteria has been a foundation of microbiology. Like other microbial methods, bacterial culture and isolation methodologies continue to develop. Although fundamental concepts like selection and enrichment are as relevant today as they were over 100 yr ago, advances in chemistry, molecular biology and bacterial ecology mean that today's culture and isolation techniques serve additional supporting roles. The primary isolation of Shiga toxigenic (STEC) from environmental sources relies on enriching the target while excluding extensive background flora. Due to the complexity of environmental substrates, no single method can be recommended; however, common themes are discussed. Brilliant Green Bile Broth, with or without antibiotics, is one of many broths used successfully for selective STEC enrichment. Stressed cells may require a pre-enrichment recovery step in a nonselective broth such as buffered peptone water. After enrichment, immunomagnetic separation with serotype specific beads drastically increases the chances for recovery of STEC from environmental or insect sources. Some evidence suggests that acid treating the recovered beads can further enhance isolation. Although it is common in human clinical, food safety, and water quality applications to plate the recovered beads on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar, other chromogenic media, such as modified CHROMagar, have proven helpful in field and outbreak applications, allowing the target to be distinguished from the numerous background flora. Optimum conditions for each sample and target must be determined empirically, highlighting the need for a better understanding of STEC ecology.
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11
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Byappanahalli MN, Roll BM, Fujioka RS. Evidence for occurrence, persistence, and growth potential of Escherichia coli and enterococci in Hawaii's soil environments. Microbes Environ 2012; 27:164-70. [PMID: 22791049 PMCID: PMC4036009 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me11305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High densities of Escherichia coli and enterococci are common in freshwaters on Oahu and other Hawaiian Islands. Soil along stream banks has long been suspected as the likely source of these bacteria; however, the extent of their occurrence and distribution in a wide range of soils remained unknown until the current investigation. Soil samples representing the seven major soil associations were collected on the island of Oahu and analyzed for fecal coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci by the most probable number method. Fecal coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci were found in most of the samples analyzed; log mean densities (MPN ± SE g soil−1) were 1.96±0.18, n=61; 1.21±0.17, n=57; and 2.99±0.12, n=62, respectively. Representative, presumptive cultures of E. coli and enterococci collected from the various soils were identified and further speciated using the API scheme; at least six species of Enterococcus, including Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, were identified. In mesocosm studies, E. coli and enterococci increased by 100-fold in 4 days, after mixing sewage-spiked soil (one part) with autoclaved soil (nine parts). E. coli remained metabolically active in the soil and readily responded to nutrients, as evidenced by increased dehydrogenase activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that populations of E. coli and enterococci are part of the natural soil microflora, potentially influencing the quality of nearby water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muruleedhara N Byappanahalli
- U S Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Porter, Indiana 46304, USA.
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Pathogenic Escherichia coli found in sewage treatment plants and environmental waters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5536-41. [PMID: 22660714 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00657-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that some Escherichia coli strains with uropathogenic properties survived treatment stages of sewage treatment plants (STPs), suggesting that they may be released into the environment. We investigated the presence of such strains in the surrounding environmental waters of four STPs from which these persistent strains were isolated. In all, 264 E. coli isolates were collected from 129 receiving water sites in a 20-km radius surrounding STPs. We also included 93 E. coli strains collected from 18 animal species for comparison. Isolates were typed using a high-resolution biochemical fingerprinting method (the PhPlate system), and grouped into common (C) types. One hundred forty-seven (56%) environmental isolates were identical to strains found in STPs' final effluents. Of these, 140 (95%) carried virulence genes (VGs) associated with intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC) or uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and were found in a variety of sites within areas sampled. Of the remaining 117 environmental strains not identical to STP strains, 105 belonged to 18 C types and 102 of them carried VGs found among IPEC or UPEC strains. These strains belonged mainly to phylogenetic groups A (A0 and A1) and B1 and to a lesser extent B2(2), B2(3), D1, and D2. Eight of 18 environmental C types, comprising 50 isolates, were also identical to bird strains. The presence of a high percentage of environmental E. coli in waters near STPs carrying VGs associated with IPEC and UPEC suggests that they may have derived from STP effluents and other nonpoint sources.
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Grisey E, Belle E, Mudry J, Aleya L. Annual and nycthemeral studies of the survival and circulation of indicator bacteria in a schist aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2011; 32:1131-1139. [PMID: 21882565 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2010.528044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli and Enterococci are widely used as indicators of faecal contamination of groundwater while total coliforms, which are of environmental but also of faecal origin, are indicators of the overall quality of the water. The survival of bacteria in groundwater is dependent on many factors including temperature, competition with indigenous bacteria and entrapment in aquifer material. Previous studies showed two sources of faecal contamination of a schist aquifer: infiltration into the ground from nearby septic tank effluents and seepage of landfill leachate. Water samples for bacterial analysis were collected from a piezometer on a monthly basis (15 months) and every six hours over two non-consecutive days. The intermittent sampling showed relatively stable concentrations of bacteria over time after the removal of stagnant water. Therefore, a continuous bacterial contamination without significant daily variation exists. The ratio of E. coli densities to total coliforms densities (EC/TC) allowed differentiation between the sources of faecal pollution in groundwater by comparing the populations of faecal bacteria with those of environmental bacteria. Enumeration indicated that the densities of bacteria were much higher in this schist aquifer than those in alluvial aquifers contaminated by a septic tank reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Grisey
- Université de Franche-Comté, Chrono-Environnement, CNRS 6249 Besançon, France
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Byappanahalli MN, Shively DA, Nevers MB, Sadowsky MJ, Whitman RL. Growth and survival of Escherichia coli and enterococci populations in the macro-alga Cladophora (Chlorophyta). FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2009; 46:203-11. [PMID: 19719574 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-6496(03)00214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The macro-alga Cladophora glomerata is found in streams and lakes worldwide. High concentrations of Escherichia coli and enterococci have been reported in Cladophora along the Lake Michigan shore. The objective of this study was to determine if Cladophora supported growth of these indicator bacteria. Algal leachate readily supported in vitro multiplication of E. coli and enterococci, suggesting that leachates contain necessary growth-promoting substances. Growth was directly related to the concentration of algal leachate. E. coli survived for over 6 months in dried Cladophora stored at 4 degrees C; residual E. coli grew after mat rehydration, reaching a carrying capacity of 8 log CFU g(-1) in 48 h. Results of this study also show that the E. coli strains associated with Cladophora are highly related; in most instances they are genetically different from each other, suggesting that the relationship between E. coli and Cladophora may be casual. These findings indicate that Cladophora provides a suitable environment for indicator bacteria to persist for extended periods and to grow under natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muruleedhara N Byappanahalli
- United States Geological Survey, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
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Amador JA, Sotomayor‐Ramírez D, Martínez G, Chen L, Bachoon D. Tracking human faecal contamination in tropical reservoirs in Puerto Rico. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1770.2008.00378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José A. Amador
- Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology, Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - David Sotomayor‐Ramírez
- Department of Agronomy and Soils, University of Puerto Rico‐Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00680, and
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Department of Agronomy and Soils, University of Puerto Rico‐Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00680, and
| | - Lixian Chen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31520, USA
| | - Dave Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31520, USA
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Cother EJ, Gilbert R. Presence of Erwinia chrysanthemi in two major river systems and their alpine sources in Australia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1990.tb01570.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Belle E, Genevois V, Mudry J, Aleya L. [Annual distribution of bacterial indicators generated by the domestic wastes from the landfill of Etueffont (France)]. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2008; 29:207-216. [PMID: 18613619 DOI: 10.1080/09593330802028865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We assessed over 15 months the distribution of total coliforms concentrations of Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in three monitoring points in the Etueffont landfill (Belfort, France). We selected the piezometer (PZ30) which is located downstream from the dump and two leachate collectors from the old dump and the new casing. The results showed that the leachate was free from both Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. The absence of Salmonella was most likely due to the small occupation of the landfill environment by vertebrates, especially rodents, birds and reptiles, which are known to be principal vectors of Salmonella. S. aureu, is generally hosted on skins and mucus of animals. The mean densities of E. coli and Enterococcus in the leachates were low. In contrast, P. aeruginosa abundance was high and closely related to precipitations. Coliform bacteria concentrations in the leachate averaged UFC.100 CFU x ml(-1). In the contaminated groundwaters, the coliforms, E. coli and Enterococci were always present at concentrations 10 to 100 fold higher than those reported from septic tank effluents. P. aeruginosa concentrations were low (mean: 11 CFU.100 ml(-1)) and inferior to those quoted in the leachate. This may be explained by the anoxic conditions which prevailed in the shistous aquifer. The absence of Salmonella in groundwaters may be due to its sensitivity to disinfectants and that of S. aureus linked to the fact that it is not a common host of the human intestine. Finally, our study clearly indicates the role played by E. coli and Enterococci as biomarkers of recent faecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Belle
- Laboratoire de Biologie Environnementale, UsC INRA, Place Leclerc, 25030 Besançon, France
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Walk ST, Alm EW, Calhoun LM, Mladonicky JM, Whittam TS. Genetic diversity and population structure of Escherichia coli isolated from freshwater beaches. Environ Microbiol 2007; 9:2274-88. [PMID: 17686024 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01341.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli is an important member of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals (primary habitat). In the external environment outside the host (secondary habitat), it is often considered to be only a transient member of the microbiota found in water and soil, although recent evidence suggests that some strains can persist in temperate soils and freshwater beaches. Here we quantified the population genetic structure of E. coli from a longitudinal collection of environmental strains isolated from six freshwater beaches along Lake Huron and the St. Clair River in Michigan. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed extensive genetic diversity among 185 E. coli isolates with an average of 40 alleles per locus. Despite evidence for extensive recombination generating new alleles and genotypic diversity, several genotypes marked by distinct MLEE and MLST profiles were repeatedly recovered from separate sites at different times. A PCR-based phylogrouping technique showed that the persistent, naturalized E. coli belonged to the B1 group. These results support the hypothesis that persistent genotypes have an adaptive advantage in the secondary habitat outside the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth T Walk
- Microbial Evolution Laboratory, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Fleming LE, Broad K, Clement A, Dewailly E, Elmir S, Knap A, Pomponi SA, Smith S, Solo Gabriele H, Walsh P. Oceans and human health: Emerging public health risks in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2006; 53:545-60. [PMID: 16996542 PMCID: PMC2573863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There has been an increasing recognition of the inter-relationship between human health and the oceans. Traditionally, the focus of research and concern has been on the impact of human activities on the oceans, particularly through anthropogenic pollution and the exploitation of marine resources. More recently, there has been recognition of the potential direct impact of the oceans on human health, both detrimental and beneficial. Areas identified include: global change, harmful algal blooms (HABs), microbial and chemical contamination of marine waters and seafood, and marine models and natural products from the seas. It is hoped that through the recognition of the inter-dependence of the health of both humans and the oceans, efforts will be made to restore and preserve the oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Fleming
- National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Oceans and Human Health Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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Byappanahalli MN, Whitman RL, Shively DA, Sadowsky MJ, Ishii S. Population structure, persistence, and seasonality of autochthonous Escherichia coli in temperate, coastal forest soil from a Great Lakes watershed. Environ Microbiol 2006; 8:504-13. [PMID: 16478456 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2005.00916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The common occurrence of Escherichia coli in temperate soils has previously been reported, however, there are few studies to date to characterize its source, distribution, persistent capability and genetic diversity. In this study, undisturbed, forest soils within six randomly selected 0.5 m2 exclosure plots (covered by netting of 2.3 mm2 mesh size) were monitored from March to October 2003 for E. coli in order to describe its numerical and population characteristics. Culturable E. coli occurred in 88% of the samples collected, with overall mean counts of 16 MPN g(-1), ranging from < 1 to 1657 (n = 66). Escherichia coli counts did not correlate with substrate moisture content, air, or soil temperatures, suggesting that seasonality were not a strong factor in population density control. Mean E. coli counts in soil samples (n = 60) were significantly higher inside than immediately outside the exclosures; E. coli distribution within the exclosures was patchy. Repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) demonstrated genetic heterogeneity of E. coli within and among exclosure sites, and the soil strains were genetically distinct from animal (E. coli) strains tested (i.e. gulls, terns, deer and most geese). These results suggest that E. coli can occur and persist for extended periods in undisturbed temperate forest soils independent of recent allochthonous input and season, and that the soil E. coli populations formed a cohesive phylogenetic group in comparison to the set of fecal strains with which they were compared. Thus, in assessing E. coli sources within a stream, it is important to differentiate background soil loadings from inputs derived from animal and human fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muruleedhara N Byappanahalli
- United States Geological Survey, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA.
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Lasalde C, Rodríguez R, Toranzos GA. Statistical analyses: possible reasons for unreliability of source tracking efforts. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:4690-5. [PMID: 16085864 PMCID: PMC1183283 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.8.4690-4695.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyses for the presence of indicator organisms provide information on the microbiological quality of water. Indicator organisms recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for monitoring the microbiological quality of water include Escherichia coli, a thermotolerant coliform found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. These bacteria can also be isolated from environmental sources such as the recreational and pristine waters of tropical rain forests in the absence of fecal contamination. In the present study, E. coli isolates were compared to E. coli K12 (ATCC 29425) by restriction fragment length polymorphism using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Theoretically, genomic DNA patterns generated by PFGE are highly specific for the different isolates of an organism and can be used to identify variability between environmental and fecal isolates. Our results indicate a different band pattern for almost every one of the E. coli isolates analyzed. Cluster analysis did not show any relations between isolates and their source of origin. Only the discriminant function analysis grouped the samples with the source of origin. The discrepancy observed between the cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis relies on their mathematical basis. Our validation analyses indicate the presence of an artifact (i.e., grouping of environmental versus fecal samples as a product of the statistical analyses used and not as a result of separation in terms of source of origin) in the classification results; therefore, the large genetic heterogeneity observed in these E. coli populations makes the grouping of isolates by source rather difficult, if not impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarivel Lasalde
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, University of Puerto Rico Department of Biology, P.O. Box 23360, San Juan, PR.
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Byamukama D, Mach RL, Kansiime F, Manafi M, Farnleitner AH. Discrimination efficacy of fecal pollution detection in different aquatic habitats of a high-altitude tropical country, using presumptive coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens spores. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:65-71. [PMID: 15640171 PMCID: PMC544213 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.1.65-71.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of rapid and practicable techniques that presumptively identify total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens spores (CP) by testing them on a pollution gradient in differing aquatic habitats in a high-altitude tropical country was evaluated during a 12-month period. Site selection was based on high and low anthropogenic influence criteria of paired sites including six spring, six stream, and four lakeshore sites spread over central and eastern parts of Uganda. Unlike the chemophysical water quality, which was water source type dependent (i.e., spring, lake, or stream), fecal indicators were associated with the anthropogenic influence status of the respective sites. A total of 79% of the total variability, including all the determined four bacteriological and five chemophysical parameters, could be assigned to either a pollution, a habitat, or a metabolic activity component by principal-component analysis. Bacteriological indicators revealed significant correlations to the pollution component, reflecting that anthropogenic contamination gradients were followed. Discrimination sensitivity analysis revealed high ability of E. coli to differentiate between high and low levels of anthropogenic influence. CP also showed a reasonable level of discrimination, although FC and TC were found to have worse discrimination efficacy. Nonpoint influence by soil erosion could not be detected during the study period by correlation analysis, although a theoretical contamination potential existed, as investigated soils in the immediate surroundings often contained relevant concentrations of fecal indicators. The outcome of this study indicates that rapid techniques for presumptive E. coli and CP determination may be reliable for fecal pollution monitoring in high-altitude tropical developing countries such as those of Eastern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Byamukama
- Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Kampala, Uganda
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Fleming LE, Solo GH, Elmir S, Shibata T, Squicciarini D, Quirino W, Arguello M, Van de Bogart G. A Pilot Study of Microbial Contamination of Subtropical Recreational Waters. FLORIDA JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2004; 184:29. [PMID: 20151031 PMCID: PMC2819423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microbial water quality indicators are used to determine whether a water body is safe for recreational purposes. There have been concerns raised about the appropriate use of microbial indicators to regulate recreational uses of water bodies, in particular those located in tropical and sub-tropical environments. This prospective cohort pilot study evaluated the relationship between microbial water quality indicators and public health within two public beaches without known sewage discharge, but with historically high microbial levels for one beach, in subtropical Miami-Dade County (Florida). Monitoring was conducted in three phases: daily water monitoring, beach sand sampling, and spatially intense water sampling. An epidemiological questionnaire from a Los Angeles recreational beach-goer study was used to assess the self-reported swimming-related symptoms and exposures. There was no significant association between the number nor the type of reported symptoms and the different sampling months or beach sites, although persons who returned repeatedly to the beach were more likely to report symptoms. The number of indicator organisms correlated negatively with the frequency of symptoms reported by recreational beach goers. Results of the daily monitoring indicated that different indicators provided conflicting results concerning beach water quality.Larger epidemiologic studies with individual exposure monitoring are recommended to further evaluate these potentially important associations in subtropical recreational waters.
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Byappanahalli M, Fowler M, Shively D, Whitman R. Ubiquity and persistence of Escherichia coli in a Midwestern coastal stream. Appl Environ Microbiol 2003; 69:4549-55. [PMID: 12902241 PMCID: PMC169135 DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.8.4549-4555.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dunes Creek, a small Lake Michigan coastal stream that drains sandy aquifers and wetlands of Indiana Dunes, has chronically elevated Escherichia coli levels along the bathing beach near its outfall. This study sought to understand the sources of E. coli in Dunes Creek's central branch. A systematic survey of random and fixed sampling points of water and sediment was conducted over 3 years. E. coli concentrations in Dunes Creek and beach water were significantly correlated. Weekly monitoring at 14 stations during 1999 and 2000 indicated chronic loading of E. coli throughout the stream. Significant correlations between E. coli numbers in stream water and stream sediment, submerged sediment and margin, and margin and 1 m from shore were found. Median E. coli counts were highest in stream sediments, followed by bank sediments, sediments along spring margins, stream water, and isolated pools; in forest soils, E. coli counts were more variable and relatively lower. Sediment moisture was significantly correlated with E. coli counts. Direct fecal input inadequately explains the widespread and consistent occurrence of E. coli in the Dunes Creek watershed; long-term survival or multiplication or both seem likely. The authors conclude that (i) E. coli is ubiquitous and persistent throughout the Dunes Creek basin, (ii) E. coli occurrence and distribution in riparian sediments help account for the continuous loading of the bacteria in Dunes Creek, and (iii) ditching of the stream, increased drainage, and subsequent loss of wetlands may account for the chronically high E. coli levels observed.
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Díaz E, Ferrández A, Prieto MA, García JL. Biodegradation of aromatic compounds by Escherichia coli. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2001; 65:523-69, table of contents. [PMID: 11729263 PMCID: PMC99040 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.65.4.523-569.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Escherichia coli has long been recognized as the best-understood living organism, little was known about its abilities to use aromatic compounds as sole carbon and energy sources. This review gives an extensive overview of the current knowledge of the catabolism of aromatic compounds by E. coli. After giving a general overview of the aromatic compounds that E. coli strains encounter and mineralize in the different habitats that they colonize, we provide an up-to-date status report on the genes and proteins involved in the catabolism of such compounds, namely, several aromatic acids (phenylacetic acid, 3- and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, phenylpropionic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, and 3-hydroxycinnamic acid) and amines (phenylethylamine, tyramine, and dopamine). Other enzymatic activities acting on aromatic compounds in E. coli are also reviewed and evaluated. The review also reflects the present impact of genomic research and how the analysis of the whole E. coli genome reveals novel aromatic catabolic functions. Moreover, evolutionary considerations derived from sequence comparisons between the aromatic catabolic clusters of E. coli and homologous clusters from an increasing number of bacteria are also discussed. The recent progress in the understanding of the fundamentals that govern the degradation of aromatic compounds in E. coli makes this bacterium a very useful model system to decipher biochemical, genetic, evolutionary, and ecological aspects of the catabolism of such compounds. In the last part of the review, we discuss strategies and concepts to metabolically engineer E. coli to suit specific needs for biodegradation and biotransformation of aromatics and we provide several examples based on selected studies. Finally, conclusions derived from this review may serve as a lead for future research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Díaz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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Guimarães VF, Araújo MAV, Mendonçla-hagler LCS, Hagler AN. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other microbial indicators of pollution in fresh and marine waters of rio de janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1002/tox.2530080308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Hernández-Delgado EA, Sierra ML, Toranzos GA. Coliphages as alternate indicators of fecal contamination in tropical waters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1991. [DOI: 10.1002/tox.2530060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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28
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Abstract
Bacterial isolates from deep-sediment samples from three sites at the Savannah River site, near Aiken, S.C., were studied to determine their microbial community composition and DNA structure by using total DNA hybridization and moles percent G + C. Standard phenotypic identification underestimated the bacterial diversity at the three sites, since isolates with the same phenotype had different DNA structures in terms of moles percent G + C and DNA homology. The G + C content of deep-subsurface bacteria ranged from 20 to 77 mol%. More than 60% of the isolates tested had G + C values similar to those of Pseudomonas spp., and 12% had values similar to those of Acinetobacter spp. No isolates from deeper formations showed the same DNA composition as isolates from upper formations. Total-DNA hybridization and DNA base composition analysis provided a better resolution than phenotypic tests for the understanding of the diversity and structure of deep-subsurface bacterial communities. On the basis of the moles percent G + C values, deep-subsurface isolates tested seemed to belong to the families Pseudomonadaceae and Neisseriaceae, which might reflect a long period of adaptation to the environmental conditions of the deep subsurface.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jiménez
- Environmental Sciences Section, Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Aiken, South Carolina 29808-0001
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Muñiz I, Jiménez L, Toranzos GA, Hazen TC. Survival and activity ofStreptococcus faecalis andEscherichia coli in tropical freshwater. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 1989; 18:125-134. [PMID: 24196128 DOI: 10.1007/bf02030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The survival ofStreptococcus faecalis andEscherichia coli was studied in situ in a tropical rain forest watershed using membrane diffusion chambers. Densities were determined by acridine orange direct count and Coulter Counter. Population activity was determined by microautoradiography, cell respiration, and by nucleic acid composition. Densities ofS. faecalis andE. coli decreased less than 1 log unit after 105 hours as measured by direct count methods. Activity as measured by respiration, acridine orange activity, and microautoradiography indicated that both bacteria remained moderately active during the entire study. After 12 hours,E. coli was more active thanS. faecalis as measured by nucleic acid composition. In this tropical rain forest watershed,E. coli andS. faecalis survived and remained active for more than 5 days; consequently, both would seem to be unsuitable as indicators of recent fecal contamination in tropical waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Muñiz
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, 00931, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
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Jiménez L, Muñiz I, Toranzos GA, Hazen TC. Survival and activity of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli in tropical freshwater. THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED BACTERIOLOGY 1989; 67:61-9. [PMID: 2674097 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb04955.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The survival of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 and Escherichia coli was studied in situ in a tropical rain forest watershed using membrane diffusion chambers. Numbers were determined by acridine orange staining and a Coulter counter. Population activity was determined by microautoradiography, cell respiration, frequency of dividing cells, and by nucleic acid composition. Numbers of Salm, typhimurium and E. coli decreased less than 1 log unit after 105 h as measured by direct count methods. Activity as measured by respiration, acridine orange activity, frequency of dividing cells, and microautoradiography indicated that both bacteria remained moderately active during the entire study. After 24 h, E. coli was more active than Salm. typhimurium, as measured by nucleic acid composition, and frequency of dividing cells. Both E. coli and Salm. typhimurium survived and remained active in this tropical rain forest watershed for more than 5 d, suggesting that Salm. typhimurium may be of prolonged public health significance once it is introduced into tropical surface waters. As E. coli was active and survived for a long time in this natural environment, it would seem to be unsuitable as an indicator of recent faecal contamination in tropical waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jiménez
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico 00931
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Pérez-Rosas N, Hazen TC. In situ survival of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in a tropical rain forest watershed. Appl Environ Microbiol 1989; 55:495-9. [PMID: 2655536 PMCID: PMC184138 DOI: 10.1128/aem.55.2.495-499.1989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
For 12 months, Vibrio cholerae and fecal coliform densities were monitored along with nine other water quality parameters at 12 sites in a rain forest watershed in Puerto Rico. Densities of V. cholerae and fecal coliforms were not significantly correlated, even though the highest densities of both bacteria were found at a sewage outfall. High densities of V. cholerae were also found at pristine sites at the highest point in the watershed. The density of Escherichia coli and V. cholerae in membrane diffusion chambers did not change significantly during the course of two such studies. Physiological activity, as measured by electron transport system activity and relative nucleic acid composition, indicated that both E. coli and V. cholerae remained active. This study suggests that V. cholerae is indigenous to tropical fresh waters and that assays other than those that detect fecal coliforms or E. coli must be used for assessing public health risk in tropical waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pérez-Rosas
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
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Abstract
Nowhere is the importance of accurate determination of recent human fecal contamination greater than in the tropics. The diversity of waterborne diseases and their severity is greatest in tropical environments. Since most of the countries in tropical climates are underdeveloped, with large populations that are undernourished, ill‐housed, with poor medical services, waterborne diseases may have a much greater effect on public health in the tropics than in temperate areas. Universally, tropical areas accept water maximum contaminant levels developed by temperate nations, despite the obvious differences in tropical climates. High densities of total and fecal coliform bacteria have been detected in pristine streams and in groundwater samples collected from many tropical parts of the world, even in epiphytic vegetation 10 m above ground in the rain forest of Puerto Rico. Nucleic acid (DNA) analyses of Escherichia coli from pristine tropical environs has indicated that they are identical to clinical isolates of E. coli. Many tropical source waters have been shown to have enteric pathogens in the complete absence of coliforms. Diffusion chamber studies with E. coli at several tropical sites reveal that this bacterium can survive indefinitely in most freshwaters in Puerto Rico. An evaluation of methods for the enumeration of fecal coliforms showed that currently used media have poor reliability as a result of large numbers of false positive and false negative results when applied to tropical water samples. Total and fecal coliform bacteria are not reliable indicators of recent biological contamination of waters in tropical areas. Fecal streptococci and coliphages in tropical waters violate the same underlying assumptions of indicator assays as the coliforms. Anaerobic bacteria like Bifidobacterium spp. and Clostridium perfringens show some promise in terms of survival, but not in ease of enumeration and media specificity. The best course at present lies in using current techniques for direct enumeration of pathogens by fluorescent staining and nucleic acid analysis, and developing tropical maximum contaminant levels for certain resistant pathogens in tropical waters.
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