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Lindner BG, Choudhury RA, Pinamang P, Bingham L, D'Amico I, Hatt JK, Konstantinidis KT, Graham KE. Advancing Source Tracking: Systematic Review and Source-Specific Genome Database Curation of Fecally Shed Prokaryotes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2024; 11:931-939. [PMID: 39280079 PMCID: PMC11391576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Advancements within fecal source tracking (FST) studies are complicated by a lack of knowledge regarding the genetic content and distribution of fecally shed microbial populations. To address this gap, we performed a systematic literature review and curated a large collection of genomes (n = 26,018) representing fecally shed prokaryotic species across broad and narrow source categories commonly implicated in FST studies of recreational waters (i.e., cats, dogs, cows, seagulls, chickens, pigs, birds, ruminants, human feces, and wastewater). We find that across these sources the total number of prokaryotic genomes recovered from materials meeting our initial inclusion criteria varied substantially across fecal sources: from none in seagulls to 9,085 in pigs. We examined genome sequences recovered from these metagenomic and isolation-based studies extensively via comparative genomic approaches to characterize trends across source categories and produce a finalized genome database for each source category which is available online (n = 12,730). On average, 81% of the genomes representing species-level populations occur only within a single source. Using fecal slurries to test the performance of each source database, we report read capture rates that vary with fecal source alpha diversity and database size. We expect this resource to be useful to FST-related objectives, One Health research, and sanitation efforts globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake G Lindner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Rakin A Choudhury
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Princess Pinamang
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Lilia Bingham
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Isabelle D'Amico
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Janet K Hatt
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Katherine E Graham
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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Olvera-Ramírez AM, McEwan NR, Stanley K, Nava-Diaz R, Aguilar-Tipacamú G. A Systematic Review on the Role of Wildlife as Carriers and Spreaders of Campylobacter spp. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1334. [PMID: 37106897 PMCID: PMC10135385 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter spp. are important zoonotic pathogens and can cause one of the main bacterial diarrheal diseases worldwide. Research in the context of infection arising from transmission from other humans and other vertebrates has been extensive. A large fraction of these investigations has focused on domestic animals; however, there are also a number of publications which either totally, or at least in part, consider the role of wild or feral animals as carriers or spreaders of Campylobacter spp. Here, we carry out a systematic review to explore the role played by wild vertebrates as sources of Campylobacter spp. with a compilation of prevalence data for more than 150 species including reptiles, mammals and birds. We found that numerous vertebrate species can act as carriers of Campylobacter species, but we also found that some host specificity may exist, reducing the risk of spread from wildlife to domestic animals or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Margarita Olvera-Ramírez
- Cuerpo Académico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Delegación Santa Rosa Jáuregui, Querétaro C.P. 76230, Mexico
| | - Neil Ross McEwan
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK
| | - Karen Stanley
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Remedios Nava-Diaz
- Posdoctoral CONACyT Program, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Delegación Santa Rosa Jáuregui, Querétaro C.P. 76230, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamú
- Cuerpo Académico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Delegación Santa Rosa Jáuregui, Querétaro C.P. 76230, Mexico
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Gallard-Gongora J, Lobos A, Conrad JW, Peraud J, Harwood VJ. An assessment of three methods for extracting bacterial DNA from beach sand. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2990-3000. [PMID: 34932856 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Beach water quality is regulated by faecal indicator bacteria levels, sand is not, despite known human health risk from exposure to beach sand. We compared the performance of three methods to extract bacterial DNA from beach sand as a step toward a standard method. METHODS AND RESULTS The analytical sensitivity of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for Enterococcus was compared for the slurry (suspension, agitation, membrane filtration of supernatant), versus direct extraction using PowerSoil™ or PowerMax Soil™ kits. The slurry method had the lowest limit of detection at 20-80 gene copies g-1 , recovered significantly more DNA, and the only method that detected Enterococcus by qPCR in all samples; therefore, the only method used in subsequent experiments. The slurry method reflected the spatial variability of Enterococcus in individual transect samples. Mean recovery efficiency of the microbial source tracking marker HF183 from wastewater spiked marine and freshwater beach sand was 100.8% and 64.1%, respectively, but varied, indicating that the mixing protocol needs improvement. CONCLUSIONS Among the three methods, the slurry method had the best analytical sensitivity and produced extracts that were useful for culture or molecular analysis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Standardization of methods for extraction of bacterial DNA from sand facilitates comparisons among studies, and ultimately contributes to the safety of recreational beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aldo Lobos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - James W Conrad
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jayme Peraud
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Recreational water exposure and waterborne infections in a prospective salivary antibody study at a Lake Michigan beach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20540. [PMID: 34654825 PMCID: PMC8519948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In a prospective observational study, seroconversion to a specific pathogen can serve as a marker of an incident infection, whether or not that infection is symptomatic or clinically diagnosed. While self-reported symptoms can be affected by reporting bias, seroconversion is likely to be free of this bias as it is based on objective measurements of antibody response. Non-invasive salivary antibody tests can be used instead of serum tests to detect seroconversions in prospective studies. In the present study, individuals and families were recruited at a Lake Michigan beach in Wisconsin in August 2011. Data on recreational water exposure and baseline saliva samples (S1) were collected at recruitment. Follow-up data on gastrointestinal symptoms were collected via a telephone interview approximately 10 days post-recruitment. Follow-up saliva samples were self-collected approximately 2 weeks (S2) and 30–40 days post-recruitment (S3) and mailed to the study laboratory. Samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin (Ig) G responses to recombinant antigens of three noroviruses and Cryptosporidium, as well as protein purification tags as internal controls, using an in-house multiplex suspension immunoassay on the Luminex platform. Responses were defined as ratios of antibody reactivities with a target protein and its purification tag. Seroconversions were defined as at least four-fold and three-fold increases in responses in S2 and S3 samples compared to S1, respectively. In addition, an S2 response had to be above the upper 90% one-sided prediction limit of a corresponding spline function of age. Among 872 study participants, there were seven (0.8%) individuals with seroconversions, including six individuals with seroconversions to noroviruses and two to Cryptosporidium (one individual seroconverted to both pathogens). Among 176 (20%) individuals who reported swallowing lake water, there were six (3.4%) seroconversions compared to one (0.14%) seroconversion among the remaining 696 individuals: the crude and age-standardized risk differences per 1000 beachgoers were 32.7 (95% confidence limits 5.7; 59.6) and 94.8 (4.6; 276), respectively. The age-adjusted odds ratio of seroconversion in those who swallowed water vs. all others was 49.5 (4.5; 549), p = 0.001. Individuals with a norovirus seroconversion were more likely to experience vomiting symptoms within 4 days of the index beach visit than non-converters with an odds ratio of 34 (3.4, 350), p = 0.003. This study contributed further evidence that recreational water exposure is associated with symptomatic and asymptomatic waterborne infections, and that salivary antibody assays can be used in epidemiological surveys of norovirus and Cryptosporidium infections.
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Hubálek Z. Pathogenic microorganisms associated with gulls and terns (Laridae). JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.21009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; e-mail:
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Cardoso MD, Santos AFDM, Rodrigues MDS, Pribul BR, Grael AS, Pedroso VM, Pires JR, Travassos CEPF, Domit C, Vieira-Da-Motta O, Rodrigues DDP, Siciliano S. Salmonella spp. profiles isolated from seabird samples from the Brazilian coast. Prev Vet Med 2021; 193:105413. [PMID: 34175569 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In view of growing concerns, in a One Health context, regarding the transport and dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms among seabirds and other vertebrate animals, including humans, the aim of this study was to identify Salmonella spp. in stranded and non-stranded resident and migratory wild seabirds from the Brazilian coast. Antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular profiles, quinolone resistance genes and antigenic characterization of the isolates were also carried out. Fresh faeces and cloacal swabs were obtained totaling 122 seabirds sampled throughout different Brazilian coast regions. At the laboratory, sample culturing, Salmonella spp. isolation and biochemical identification were performed, followed by antigenic profile identification by serum agglutination, susceptibility profile characterization by the agar disc diffusion technique, detection of quinolone resistance genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS) using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique (multiplex PCR) and, finally, isolates profiles identification by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica was identified in 7% of the studied birds, comprising three different serovars: Panama (63 %), Typhimurium (25 %) and Newport (13 %). The most important findings reported herein are the first description of Salmonella panama in seabirds and the totality of isolates being resistant (or intermediate) to at least one tested antimicrobial, with emphasis on quinolone resistance. The molecular results suggest that the observed resistance cannot be explained by the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes. The PFGE suggests that the Panama and Newport profiles detected herein are not yet widespread in Brazil, unlike Typhimurium, which is already well distributed throughout the country. Considering this finding, we suggest that seabirds are an important link in the epidemiological chain of this serovar. The monitoring of these bacteria in seabirds, as well as of their susceptibility profiles to antimicrobials, must be continuous, strengthening the role of these animals as environmental health indicators and sentinels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Duarte Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, RJ, Brazil.
| | - André Felipe Das Mercês Santos
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 316, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Marcelle Da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 316, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Rocha Pribul
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 316, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Andrea Soffiatti Grael
- Setor de Animais Selvagens, Hospital Universitário de Medicina Veterinária Firmino Mársico Filho, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense - Avenida Almirante Ary Parreiras, 503, Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ, 24220-000, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Marques Pedroso
- Centro de Recuperação de Animais Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - Rua Tenente Capitão Heitor Perdigão, 10, Centro, Rio Grande, RS, 96200-580, Brazil.
| | - Jeferson Rocha Pires
- Centro de Recuperação de Fauna Silvestre, Universidade Estácio de Sá - Estrada da Boca do Mato, 850, Vargem Pequena, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22783-320, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eurico Pires Ferreira Travassos
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar, s/n, Pontal do Sul, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, 83255-000, Brazil.
| | - Olney Vieira-Da-Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Dália Dos Prazeres Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 316, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, 4365, Pavilhão Mourisco, sala 217, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil; Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos, Rua São José, 1260, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ, 28970-000, Brazil.
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Jordan DW, Gehring TM, Seefelt NE, Alm EW. Use of Great Lakes Recreational Beaches and Human-Waste Sites by Ring-Billed Gulls. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2021. [DOI: 10.1656/045.028.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin W. Jordan
- Department of Biology and Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Thomas M. Gehring
- Department of Biology and Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Nancy E. Seefelt
- Department of Biology and Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Elizabeth W. Alm
- Department of Biology and Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
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Shrestha A, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC, Dorevitch S. Fecal pollution source characterization at non-point source impacted beaches under dry and wet weather conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 182:116014. [PMID: 32622131 PMCID: PMC8220998 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Though Lake Michigan beaches in Chicago are not impacted by stormwater or wastewater outfalls, several of those beaches often exceed USEPA Beach Action Values (BAVs). We investigated the role of microbial source tracking (MST) as a complement to routine beach monitoring at Chicago beaches. In summer 2016, water samples from nine Chicago beaches were analyzed for E. coli by culture and enterococci by qPCR. A total of 195 archived samples were then tested for human (HF183/BacR287, HumM2), canine (DG3, DG37), and avian (GFD) microbial source tracking (MST) markers. Associations between MST and general fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) measures were evaluated and stratified based on wet and dry weather definitions. Among the 195 samples, HF183/BacR287 was quantifiable in 4%, HumM2 in 1%, DG3 in 6%, DG37 in 2%, and GFD in 23%. The one beach with a dog area was far more likely to have DG3 present in the quantifiable range than other beaches. Exceedance of general FIB BAVs increased the odds of human, dog and avian marker detection. MST marker weighted-average fecal scores for DG3 was 2.4 times, DG37 was 2.1 times, and GFD was 1.6 times higher during wet compared to dry weather conditions. HF183/BacR287 weighted-average fecal scores were not associated with precipitation. Associations between FIB BAV exceedance and MST marker detection were generally stronger in wet weather. Incorporating MST testing into routine beach water monitoring can provide information that beach managers can use when developing protection plans for beaches not impacted by point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha Shrestha
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samuel Dorevitch
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Institute for Environmental Science and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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9
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Pennycook KM, Pennycook KB, McCready TA, Kazanowski D. Severe cellulitis and bacteremia caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides following a traumatic freshwater injury. IDCases 2020; 19:e00637. [PMID: 32226752 PMCID: PMC7093739 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Plesiomonas shigelloides is a gram-negative bacillus that most commonly causes self-limited diarrhea in humans. Extraintestinal manifestations of P. shigelloides, including skin and soft tissue infections, are extremely uncommon. We present a case of severe cellulitis and bacteremia in an 80-year-old female caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides following a traumatic freshwater injury in Michigan, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Pennycook
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, Wayne State University, 1101 West University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307, United States
| | - Keith B Pennycook
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, Wayne State University, 1101 West University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307, United States
| | - Tess A McCready
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, Wayne State University, 1101 West University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307, United States
| | - David Kazanowski
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, Wayne State University, 1101 West University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307, United States
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Wei T, Yao H, Sun P, Cai W, Li X, Fan L, Wei Q, Lai C, Guo J. Mitigation of antibiotic resistance in a pilot-scale system treating wastewater from high-speed railway trains. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125484. [PMID: 31864053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater from high-speed railway trains represents a mobile reservoir of microorganisms with antibiotic resistance. It harbors abundant and diverse antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the removal of ARB and ARGs in a pilot-scale reactor, which consisted of an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic process, anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic process, and ozone-based disinfection to treat 1 m3/day wastewater from an electric multiple unit high-speed train. Further, the high prevalence of two mobile genetic elements (intI1 and Tn916/615) and five ARGs (tetA, tetG, qnrA, qnrS, blaNDM-1, and ermF) was investigated using quantitative PCR. Significant positive correlations between ARGs (tetA, blaNDM-1, and qnrA) and intI1 were identified (R2 of 0.94, 0.85, and 0.70, respectively, P < 0.01). Biological treatment could significantly reduce Tn916/1545 (2.57 logs reduction) and Enterococci (2.56 logs reduction of colony forming unit (CFU)/mL), but the qnrS abundance increased (1.19 logs increase). Ozonation disinfection could further significantly decrease ARGs and Enterococci in wastewater, with a reduction of 1.67-2.49 logs and 3.16 logs CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, food-related bacteria families which may contain opportunistic or parasitic pathogens (e.g., Moraxellaceae, Carnobacteriaceae, and Ruminococcaceae) were detected frequently. Enterococci filtered in this study shows multi-antibiotic resistance. Our study highlights the significance to mitigate antibiotic resistance from wastewater generated from high-speed railway trains, as a mobile source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wei
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Peizhe Sun
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Weiwei Cai
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Liru Fan
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qingchao Wei
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Cai Lai
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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11
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Viji R, Shrinithivihahshini ND, Santhanam P, Balakrishnan S, Yi Y, Rajivgandhi G. Biomonitoring of the environmental indicator and pathogenic microorganisms assortment in foremost pilgrimage beaches of the Bay of Bengal, Southeast coast, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110548. [PMID: 31550576 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study is aimed to monitoring the ecological indicator and pathogenic microorganism diversity in pilgrimage places beach sand on the Bay of Bengal coast. The samples were collected from three locations and four different sites, and were analyzed by following standard methods. The results clearly indicates, ritual activities were highly contaminated in the beach sand qualities, and exceeded with the standard permissible limit of WHO, USEPA, EU, CPCB beach sand recreational and other contacts activities including pH (11%), TBC (100%), TCB (97%), FCB (88%), TEB (75%), E. coli (75%), disease-causing possible level of Klebsiella (84%), Shigella (75%), Salmonella (63%) and Vibrio (56%). The statistical tools were applied to find the strong evidence. The current study pointed out the major effects on the diffusion of potentially pathogenic microorganisms along the shoreline provided useful information for the setup of measures for public health protection in the Bay of Bengal coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Viji
- Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Management, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Nirmaladevi D Shrinithivihahshini
- Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Management, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Perumal Santhanam
- Marine Planktonology & Aquaculture Laboratory, Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Balakrishnan
- Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Digha 721 428, West Bengal, India
| | - Yujun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Govindan Rajivgandhi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Biosciences, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Weiskerger CJ, Brandão J, Ahmed W, Aslan A, Avolio L, Badgley BD, Boehm AB, Edge TA, Fleisher JM, Heaney CD, Jordao L, Kinzelman JL, Klaus JS, Kleinheinz GT, Meriläinen P, Nshimyimana JP, Phanikumar MS, Piggot AM, Pitkänen T, Robinson C, Sadowsky MJ, Staley C, Staley ZR, Symonds EM, Vogel LJ, Yamahara KM, Whitman RL, Solo-Gabriele HM, Harwood VJ. Impacts of a changing earth on microbial dynamics and human health risks in the continuum between beach water and sand. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 162:456-470. [PMID: 31301475 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although infectious disease risk from recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens has been an active area of research for decades, beach sand is a relatively unexplored habitat for the persistence of pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Beach sand, biofilms, and water all present unique advantages and challenges to pathogen introduction, growth, and persistence. These dynamics are further complicated by continuous exchange between sand and water habitats. Models of FIB and pathogen fate and transport at beaches can help predict the risk of infectious disease from beach use, but knowledge gaps with respect to decay and growth rates of pathogens in beach habitats impede robust modeling. Climatic variability adds further complexity to predictive modeling because extreme weather events, warming water, and sea level change may increase human exposure to waterborne pathogens and alter relationships between FIB and pathogens. In addition, population growth and urbanization will exacerbate contamination events and increase the potential for human exposure. The cumulative effects of anthropogenic changes will alter microbial population dynamics in beach habitats and the assumptions and relationships used in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and process-based models. Here, we review our current understanding of microbial populations and transport dynamics across the sand-water continuum at beaches, how these dynamics can be modeled, and how global change factors (e.g., climate and land use) should be integrated into more accurate beachscape-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Weiskerger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boogo Road, Dutton Park, Old, 4102, Australia
| | - Asli Aslan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Lindsay Avolio
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Badgley
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay M Fleisher
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - James S Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Mantha S Phanikumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Clare Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute and Departments of Soil, Water, & Climate, and Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Laura J Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevan M Yamahara
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Chesterton, IN, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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13
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Mathai PP, Dunn HM, Magnone P, Zhang Q, Ishii S, Chun CL, Sadowsky MJ. Association between submerged aquatic vegetation and elevated levels of Escherichia coli and potential bacterial pathogens in freshwater lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:319-324. [PMID: 30543981 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli have been reported to persist and potentially grow in a wide variety of secondary habitats, such as water, beach sand, sediment, periphyton and some algae. However, little is known about their association with submerged macrophytes and how this may influence water quality. In this study, we examined the association of E. coli and potential bacterial pathogens with Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), an invasive, submerged, macrophyte that has spread across thousands of lakes in North America. EWM samples were collected from 10 lakes in Minnesota, once a month, for six consecutive months from early summer to late fall. Microbiota associated with EWM were examined using membrane filtration, quantitative PCR targeting various bacterial pathogens and host-associated marker genes, and high-throughput DNA sequencing. E. coli densities were generally elevated on EWM samples, and peaked during warmer months. Moreover, our results showed that EWM could serve as a temporal source for transmission of microbiota to the water column. Several potential pathogenic groups, including Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridium were present in significantly greater relative abundance on EWM than in water, and waterfowl was predicted to be the major source of fecal contamination. These findings have water quality implications with respect to the potential for submerged macrophytes to harbor and disperse E. coli and other bacterial pathogens in a large number of waterbodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince P Mathai
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Hannah M Dunn
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Paolo Magnone
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Chan Lan Chun
- Department of Civil Engineering and National Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Plant, and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
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14
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Brobey B, Kucknoor A, Armacost J. Prevalence of Trichomonas, Salmonella, and Listeria in Wild Birds from Southeast Texas. Avian Dis 2018; 61:347-352. [PMID: 28957011 DOI: 10.1637/11607-020617-regr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases can be a major threat to wildlife populations, especially in human-modified habitats, but infection rates in populations of wild animals are often poorly studied. Trichomonas, Salmonella, and Listeria are all pathogens known to infect birds, but their infection rates in wild bird populations are not well documented. This study documents infection rates of the three pathogens in wild bird populations inhabiting a suburban to rural gradient in Southeast Texas. Various species of wild birds were sampled at five sites in Southeastern Texas representing rural (<1 house per ha), exurban (approximately 1 house per ha), and suburban (approximately 10 houses per ha) habitat types. Birds were captured in mist nets and samples were taken from the oral cavity, crop, and vent to detect the presence of pathogens. Samples were screened for Trichomonas by examining wet mounts under a light microscope, whereas samples were screened for Salmonella and Listeria by examining colonies grown on agar plates. Pathogens detected during the initial screening were further confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Infection rates for Trichomonas, Salmonella, and Listeria were 9%, 17%, and 5%, respectively. The distributions of infection rates across habitats (i.e., rural, exurban, rural) did not differ significantly from the expected null distributions for any of the three pathogens; however, the data suggested some interesting patterns that should be confirmed with a larger dataset. Infection rates for Trichomonas and Salmonella were highest at the suburban sites, whereas the infection rate for Listeria was highest at the rural site. Feeder birds were more likely to be infected by all three pathogens than non-feeder birds. Small sample sizes prevent definitive conclusions regarding variation in infection rates along the suburban to rural gradient, but the results suggest that pathogens followed the predicted patterns. For many of the bird species sampled, this study presents the first report of infection rates by these three pathogens in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britni Brobey
- A Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710
| | | | - Jim Armacost
- A Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710
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15
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Cardoso MD, Lemos LS, Roges EM, de Moura JF, Tavares DC, Matias CAR, Rodrigues DP, Siciliano S. A comprehensive survey of Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. in seabirds from southeastern Brazil: outcomes for public health. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 124:1283-1293. [PMID: 29356247 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To perform a microbiological survey regarding the presence, prevalence and characterization of Aeromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. in debilitated wrecked marine birds recovered from the centre-north coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS Swabs obtained from 116 alive and debilitated wrecked marine birds, comprising 19 species, from the study area were evaluated by biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and pathogenicity gene screening were performed for bacterial strains of public health importance. Vibrio sp. and Aeromonas sp. were identified, as well as certain pathogenic genes and resistance to selected antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the identified bacteria, mainly Vibrio sp., are fairly prevalent and widespread among several species of seabirds and highlights the importance of migratory birds in bacterial dispersion. In addition, it demonstrates the importance of the bacterial strains regarding their pathogenic potential. Therefore, seabirds can act as bacterial reservoirs, and their monitoring is of the utmost importance in a public health context. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study comprehensively evaluates the importance of seabirds as bacteria of public health importance reservoirs, since birds comprising several pathogenic bacterial species were evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L S Lemos
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR, USA
| | - E M Roges
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - J F de Moura
- Systems Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research-ZMT, Bremen, Germany
| | - D C Tavares
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - C A R Matias
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - D P Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Enteroinfecções Bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - S Siciliano
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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16
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Alm EW, Daniels-Witt QR, Learman DR, Ryu H, Jordan DW, Gehring TM, Santo Domingo J. Potential for gulls to transport bacteria from human waste sites to beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 615:123-130. [PMID: 28964987 PMCID: PMC6754825 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of recreational beaches due to fecal waste from gulls complicates beach monitoring and may pose a risk to public health. Gulls that feed at human waste sites may ingest human fecal microorganisms associated with that waste. If these gulls also visit beaches, they may serve as vectors, transporting fecal microorganisms to the beach where they may subsequently contaminate sand and water. In this study, samples collected from landfills, treated wastewater storage lagoons, and public beaches demonstrated a spatial and temporal overlap of markers for gull and human-associated microorganisms. In addition, markers for gull, fecal indicator bacteria, and the human-associated marker, HF183, were detected in gull feces and cloacae samples. Further, HF183 was detected in cloacae samples from gulls that were documented by radio-telemetry traveling between human waste sites and public beaches. This study highlights the potential for gulls that visit human waste sites to disperse human-associated microorganisms in the beach landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Alm
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, United States.
| | - Quri R Daniels-Witt
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, United States
| | - Deric R Learman
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, United States
| | - Hodon Ryu
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Water Supply Water Resources Division, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Dustin W Jordan
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, United States
| | - Thomas M Gehring
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, United States
| | - Jorge Santo Domingo
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Water Supply Water Resources Division, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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17
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Wu B, Wang XC, Dzakpasu M. Genetic characterization of fecal impacts of seagull migration on an urban scenery lake. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 117:27-36. [PMID: 28364653 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A microbial source tracking scheme was devised to differentiate fecal impacts of seagulls from that of human activities on an urban scenery lake in southern China, which is a major wintering ground for the black-headed seagull. Fecal contamination of seagulls was characterized by quantifying a novel genetic marker targeting Catellicoccus marimamalium. Quantification of this marker was combined with those of Escherichia coli, human-associated Bacteroidales, thermophilic Campylobacter and Helicobacter. Findings of a year-round study indicate that C. marimamalium levels correlated strongly, both spatially and temporally, with seagull migration. A steady increase in C. marimammalium concentrations was recorded between October 2014 and March 2015, which peaked at about 5-log copies/100 mL in January. However, a background level of about 2.1-log copies/100 mL was noticeable from April through September when seagulls were absent, probably due to other host sources or secondary habitats for C. marimammalium. Seagull migration also caused an apparent elevation of E. coli concentrations (86% and 60%, respectively for qPCR and culture method; p < 0.001) as well as Campylobacter and Helicobacter (66% and 68%, respectively; p < 0.001). Nonetheless, in contrast to the declining levels of E. coli, Campylobacter and Helicobacter, the human-specific Bacteroidales marginally increased in the seagull-absent season, indicating a limited influence of human activities, compared with seagull migration, on the seasonal variations in microbial water quality of the lake. The elevated levels of FIB, Campylobacter and Helicobacter along with C. marimammalium may imply human health risk of the lake water due to seasonal seagull migration, which requires further investigation for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolei Wu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology Research Center for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13, Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710055, PR China
| | - Xiaochang C Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology Research Center for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13, Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710055, PR China.
| | - Mawuli Dzakpasu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology Research Center for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13, Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710055, PR China
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18
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Distribution and Differential Survival of Traditional and Alternative Indicators of Fecal Pollution at Freshwater Beaches. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.02881-16. [PMID: 27940538 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02881-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative indicators have been developed that can be used to identify host sources of fecal pollution, yet little is known about how their distribution and fate compare to traditional indicators. Escherichia coli and enterococci were widely distributed at the six beaches studied and were detected in almost 95% of water samples (n = 422) and 100% of sand samples (n = 400). Berm sand contained the largest amount of E. coli (P < 0.01), whereas levels of enterococci were highest in the backshore (P < 0.01). E. coli and enterococci were the lowest in water, using a weight-to-volume comparison. The gull-associated Catellicoccus marimammalium (Gull2) marker was found in over 80% of water samples, regardless of E. coli levels, and in 25% of sand samples. Human-associated Bacteroides (HB) and Lachnospiraceae (Lachno2) were detected in only 2.4% of water samples collected under baseflow and post-rain conditions but produced a robust signal after a combined sewage overflow, despite low E. coli concentrations. Burdens of E. coli and enterococci in water and sand were disproportionately high in relation to alternative indicators when comparing environmental samples to source material. In microcosm studies, Gull2, HB, and Lachno2 quantitative PCR (qPCR) signals were reduced twice as quickly as those from E. coli and enterococci and approximately 20% faster than signals from culturable E. coli High concentrations of alternative indicators in source material illustrated their high sensitivity for the identification of fecal sources; however, differential survival and the potential for long-term persistence of traditional fecal indicators complicate the use of alternative indicator data to account for the levels of E. coli and enterococci in environmental samples. IMPORTANCE E. coli and enterococci are general indicators of fecal pollution and may persist in beach sand, making their use problematic for many applications. This study demonstrates that gull fecal pollution is widespread at Great Lakes beaches, whereas human and ruminant contamination is evident only after major rain events. An exploration of sand as a reservoir for indicators found that E. coli was ubiquitous, while gull host markers were detected in only 25% of samples. In situ sand beach microcosms provided decay rate constants for E. coli and enterococci relative to alternative indicators, which establish comparative benchmarks that would be helpful to distinguish recent from past pollution. Overall, alternative indicators are useful for identifying sources and assessing potentially high health risk contamination events; however, beach managers should be cautious in attempting to directly link their detection to the levels of E. coli or enterococci.
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Goodwin KD, Gruber S, Vondrak M, Crumpacker A. Watershed Assessment with Beach Microbial Source Tracking and Outcomes of Resulting Gull Management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:9900-6. [PMID: 27538026 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation at a southern California beach involved ultraviolet treatment of watershed drainage that provided >97% reduction in fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations. However, this pollutant control measure did not provide sufficient improvement of beach water quality, prompting further assessment. Investigation included microbial source tracking (MST) for human, gull, and canine fecal sources, monitoring of enterococci and fecal coliform, and measurement of chemical and physical water quality parameters for samples collected from watershed, groundwater, and beach sites, including a beach scour pond and tidal creek. FIB variability remained poorly modeled in regression analysis. However, MST revealed correlations between FIB and gull source tracking markers, leading to recommendations to manage gulls as a pollutant source. Beach conditions were followed for three years after implementation of a best management practice (BMP) to abate gulls using a falconry program for the beach and an upland landfill. The gull abatement BMP was associated with improved beach water quality, and this appears to be the first report of falconry in the context of TMDL implementation. Overall, MST data enabled management action despite an inability to fully model FIB dynamics in the coupled watershed-beach system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D Goodwin
- Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, NOAA , 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, United States
| | - Steve Gruber
- Weston Solutions, Inc. , 5817 Dryden Place, Suite 101, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Mary Vondrak
- City of San Clemente , 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, California 92673, United States
| | - Andrea Crumpacker
- Weston Solutions, Inc. , 5817 Dryden Place, Suite 101, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
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20
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Abstract
After many years in the family Vibrionaceae, the genus Plesiomonas, represented by a single species, P. shigelloides, currently resides in the family Enterobacteriaceae, although its most appropriate phylogenetic position may yet to be determined. Common environmental reservoirs for plesiomonads include freshwater ecosystems and estuaries and inhabitants of these aquatic environs. Long suspected as being an etiologic agent of bacterial gastroenteritis, convincing evidence supporting this conclusion has accumulated over the past 2 decades in the form of a series of foodborne outbreaks solely or partially attributable to P. shigelloides. The prevalence of P. shigelloides enteritis varies considerably, with higher rates reported from Southeast Asia and Africa and lower numbers from North America and Europe. Reasons for these differences may include hygiene conditions, dietary habits, regional occupations, or other unknown factors. Other human illnesses caused by P. shigelloides include septicemia and central nervous system disease, eye infections, and a variety of miscellaneous ailments. For years, recognizable virulence factors potentially associated with P. shigelloides pathogenicity were lacking; however, several good candidates now have been reported, including a cytotoxic hemolysin, iron acquisition systems, and lipopolysaccharide. While P. shigelloides is easy to identify biochemically, it is often overlooked in stool samples due to its smaller colony size or relatively low prevalence in gastrointestinal samples. However, one FDA-approved PCR-based culture-independent diagnostic test system to detect multiple enteropathogens (FilmArray) includes P. shigelloides on its panel. Plesiomonads produce β-lactamases but are typically susceptible to many first-line antimicrobial agents, including quinolones and carbapenems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Janda
- Kern County Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health Services, Bakersfield, California, USA
| | - Sharon L Abbott
- Microbial Diseases Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Christopher J McIver
- Microbiology Department (SEALS), St. George Hospital, Kogarah, and School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
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21
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Corsi SR, Borchardt MA, Carvin RB, Burch TR, Spencer SK, Lutz MA, McDermott CM, Busse KM, Kleinheinz GT, Feng X, Zhu J. Human and Bovine Viruses and Bacteria at Three Great Lakes Beaches: Environmental Variable Associations and Health Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:987-95. [PMID: 26720156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens were measured at three beaches in Lake Michigan, environmental factors for predicting pathogen concentrations were identified, and the risk of swimmer infection and illness was estimated. Waterborne pathogens were detected in 96% of samples collected at three Lake Michigan beaches in summer, 2010. Samples were quantified for 22 pathogens in four microbial categories (human viruses, bovine viruses, protozoa, and pathogenic bacteria). All beaches had detections of human and bovine viruses and pathogenic bacteria indicating influence of multiple contamination sources at these beaches. Occurrence ranged from 40 to 87% for human viruses, 65-87% for pathogenic bacteria, and 13-35% for bovine viruses. Enterovirus, adenovirus A, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, bovine polyomavirus, and bovine rotavirus A were present most frequently. Variables selected in multiple regression models used to explore environmental factors that influence pathogens included wave direction, cloud cover, currents, and water temperature. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment was done for C. jejuni, Salmonella spp., and enteroviruses to estimate risk of infection and illness. Median infection risks for one-time swimming events were approximately 2 × 10(-5), 8 × 10(-6), and 3 × 10(-7) [corrected] for C. jejuni, Salmonella spp., and enteroviruses, respectively. Results highlight the importance of investigating multiple pathogens within multiple categories to avoid underestimating the prevalence and risk of waterborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center , 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Mark A Borchardt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , 2615 Yellowstone Dr., Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Rebecca B Carvin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center , 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Tucker R Burch
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center , 2615 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Susan K Spencer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , 2615 Yellowstone Dr., Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Michelle A Lutz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center , 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Colleen M McDermott
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh , 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, United States
| | - Kimberly M Busse
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh , 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, United States
| | - Gregory T Kleinheinz
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh , 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, United States
| | - Xiaoping Feng
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison , 1300 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison , 1300 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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Ahmed W, Harwood VJ, Nguyen K, Young S, Hamilton K, Toze S. Utility of Helicobacter spp. associated GFD markers for detecting avian fecal pollution in natural waters of two continents. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 88:613-622. [PMID: 26562798 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Avian fecal droppings may negatively impact environmental water quality due to the presence of high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and zoonotic pathogens. This study was aimed at evaluating the performance characteristics and utility of a Helicobacter spp. associated GFD marker by screening 265 fecal and wastewater samples from a range of avian and non-avian host groups from two continents (Brisbane, Australia and Florida, USA). The host-prevalence and -specificity of this marker among fecal and wastewater samples tested from Brisbane were 0.58 and 0.94 (maximum value of 1.00). These values for the Florida fecal samples were 0.30 (host-prevalence) and 1.00 (host-specificity). The concentrations of the GFD markers in avian and non-avian fecal nucleic acid samples were measured at a test concentration of 10 ng of nucleic acid at Brisbane and Florida laboratories using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. The mean concentrations of the GFD marker in avian fecal nucleic acid samples (5.2 × 10(3) gene copies) were two orders of magnitude higher than non-avian fecal nucleic acid samples (8.6 × 10(1) gene copies). The utility of this marker was evaluated by testing water samples from the Brisbane River, Brisbane and a freshwater creek in Florida. Among the 18 water samples tested from the Brisbane River, 83% (n = 18) were positive for the GFD marker, and the concentrations ranged from 6.0 × 10(1)-3.2 × 10(2) gene copies per 100 mL water. In all, 92% (n = 25) water samples from the freshwater creek in Florida were also positive for the GFD marker with concentrations ranging from 2.8 × 10(1)-1.3 × 10(4) gene copies per 100 mL water. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the GFD marker is highly specific to avian host groups, and could be used as a reliable marker to detect the presence and amount of avian fecal pollution in environmental waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia; Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Qld 4558, Australia.
| | - V J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - K Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - S Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - K Hamilton
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia; Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Toze
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia; School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Herston Road, Qld 4006, Australia
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23
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Quilliam RS, Kinzelman J, Brunner J, Oliver DM. Resolving conflicts in public health protection and ecosystem service provision at designated bathing waters. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 161:237-242. [PMID: 26188988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and quantifying the trade-off between the requirement for clean safe bathing water and beaches and their wider ecosystem services is central to the aims of the European Union (EU) Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and vital for the sustainability and economic viability of designated bathing waters. Uncertainty surrounding the impacts of ensuing bathing water policy transitions, e.g. the EU revised Bathing Waters Directive (rBWD), puts new urgency on our need to understand the importance of natural beach assets for human recreation, wildlife habitat and for protection from flooding and erosion. However, managing coastal zones solely in terms of public health could have potentially negative consequences on a range of other social and cultural ecosystem services, e.g. recreation. Improving our knowledge of how bathing waters, surrounding beach environments and local economies might respond to shifts in management decisions is critical in order to inform reliable decision-making, and to evaluate future implications for human health. In this paper we explore the conflicts and trade-offs that emerge at public beach environments, and propose the development of an evaluative framework of viable alternatives in environmental management whereby bathing waters are managed for their greatest utility, driven by identifying the optimal ecosystem service provision at any particular site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Quilliam
- Biological & Environmental Science, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Julie Kinzelman
- City of Racine, Health Department, 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - Joel Brunner
- City of Racine, Health Department, 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - David M Oliver
- Biological & Environmental Science, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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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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25
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Quilliam RS, Jamieson J, Oliver DM. Seaweeds and plastic debris can influence the survival of faecal indicator organisms in beach environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 84:201-7. [PMID: 24878304 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The revised Bathing Water Directive (rBWD) introduces more stringent standards for microbial water quality and promotes more pro-active management of the beach environment through the production of a bathing water profile (BWP). The aim of this study was to determine whether living seaweeds in the littoral zone are colonised by faecal indicator organisms (FIOs), and to quantify the survival dynamics of waterborne Escherichia coli in microcosms containing senescing seaweeds. Living seaweed (Fucus spiralis) was not associated with FIO colonisation, although could be providing a protected environment in the underlying sand. Senescing seaweeds enhanced waterborne E. coli survival compared to plastic debris, with the brown seaweed Laminaria saccharina facilitating greater E. coli persistence than either Chondrus crispus or Ulva lactuca. This has important implications for FIO survival on bathing beaches as the majority of beach-cast biomass is composed of brown seaweeds, which could support significant levels of FIOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Julie Jamieson
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - David M Oliver
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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26
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Araújo S, Henriques IS, Leandro SM, Alves A, Pereira A, Correia A. Gulls identified as major source of fecal pollution in coastal waters: a microbial source tracking study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 470-471:84-91. [PMID: 24140684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gulls were reported as sources of fecal pollution in coastal environments and potential vectors of human infections. Microbial source tracking (MST) methods were rarely tested to identify this pollution origin. This study was conducted to ascertain the source of water fecal contamination in the Berlenga Island, Portugal. A total of 169 Escherichia coli isolates from human sewage, 423 isolates from gull feces and 334 water isolates were analyzed by BOX-PCR. An average correct classification of 79.3% was achieved. When an 85% similarity cutoff was applied 24% of water isolates were present in gull feces against 2.7% detected in sewage. Jackknifing resulted in 29.3% of water isolates classified as gull, and 10.8% classified as human. Results indicate that gulls constitute a major source of water contamination in the Berlenga Island. This study validated a methodology to differentiate human and gull fecal pollution sources in a real case of a contaminated beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Araújo
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel S Henriques
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio Miguel Leandro
- GIRM, Marine Resources Research Group, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Campus 4, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal
| | - Artur Alves
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Anabela Pereira
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - António Correia
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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27
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Sinigalliano CD, Ervin JS, Van De Werfhorst LC, Badgley BD, Ballesté E, Bartkowiak J, Boehm AB, Byappanahalli M, Goodwin KD, Gourmelon M, Griffith J, Holden PA, Jay J, Layton B, Lee C, Lee J, Meijer WG, Noble R, Raith M, Ryu H, Sadowsky MJ, Schriewer A, Wang D, Wanless D, Whitman R, Wuertz S, Santo Domingo JW. Multi-laboratory evaluations of the performance of Catellicoccus marimammalium PCR assays developed to target gull fecal sources. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:6883-96. [PMID: 23916157 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Here we report results from a multi-laboratory (n = 11) evaluation of four different PCR methods targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Catellicoccus marimammalium originally developed to detect gull fecal contamination in coastal environments. The methods included a conventional end-point PCR method, a SYBR(®) Green qPCR method, and two TaqMan(®) qPCR methods. Different techniques for data normalization and analysis were tested. Data analysis methods had a pronounced impact on assay sensitivity and specificity calculations. Across-laboratory standardization of metrics including the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), target detected but not quantifiable (DNQ), and target not detected (ND) significantly improved results compared to results submitted by individual laboratories prior to definition standardization. The unit of measure used for data normalization also had a pronounced effect on measured assay performance. Data normalization to DNA mass improved quantitative method performance as compared to enterococcus normalization. The MST methods tested here were originally designed for gulls but were found in this study to also detect feces from other birds, particularly feces composited from pigeons. Sequencing efforts showed that some pigeon feces from California contained sequences similar to C. marimammalium found in gull feces. These data suggest that the prevalence, geographic scope, and ecology of C. marimammalium in host birds other than gulls require further investigation. This study represents an important first step in the multi-laboratory assessment of these methods and highlights the need to broaden and standardize additional evaluations, including environmentally relevant target concentrations in ambient waters from diverse geographic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Sinigalliano
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
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28
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Analysis of the gull fecal microbial community reveals the dominance of Catellicoccus marimammalium in relation to culturable Enterococci. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 80:757-65. [PMID: 24242244 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02414-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulls are prevalent in beach environments and can be a major source of fecal contamination. Gulls have been shown to harbor a high abundance of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as Escherichia coli and enterococci, which can be readily detected as part of routine beach monitoring. Despite the ubiquitous presence of gull fecal material in beach environments, the associated microbial community is relatively poorly characterized. We generated comprehensive microbial community profiles of gull fecal samples using Roche 454 and Illumina MiSeq platforms to investigate the composition and variability of the gull fecal microbial community and to measure the proportion of FIB. Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were the two most abundant families in our gull samples. Sequence comparisons between short-read data and nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene clones generated from the same samples revealed Catellicoccus marimammalium as the most numerous taxon among all samples. The identification of bacteria from gull fecal pellets cultured on membrane-Enterococcus indoxyl-β-D-glucoside (mEI) plates showed that the dominant sequences recovered in our sequence libraries did not represent organisms culturable on mEI. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gull fecal isolates cultured on mEI plates, 98.8% were identified as Enterococcus spp., 1.2% were identified as Streptococcus spp., and none were identified as C. marimammalium. Illumina deep sequencing indicated that gull fecal samples harbor significantly higher proportions of C. marimammalium 16S rRNA gene sequences (>50-fold) relative to typical mEI culturable Enterococcus spp. C. marimammalium therefore can be confidently utilized as a genetic marker to identify gull fecal pollution in the beach environment.
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29
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Evaluating gulls as potential vehicles of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport (JJPX01.0061) contamination of tomatoes grown on the eastern shore of Virginia. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 80:235-8. [PMID: 24141129 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02809-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Newport pattern JJPX01.0061 has been identified as causing several multistate outbreaks in the last 10 years, primarily due to contamination of tomatoes grown in Virginia. The goal of this study was to evaluate gulls as a potential vehicle of S. Newport pattern 61 contamination for tomatoes grown on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Gull fecal samples were collected at four sites in eastern Virginia for 3 months (May to July) in 2012, resulting in 360 samples, among which Salmonella was isolated from 62 samples. Twenty-two serotypes and 26 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis DNA fingerprint patterns, including S. Newport pattern 61, were identified. All of the patterns that were isolated multiple times, with the exception of S. Newport patterns JJPX01.0030 and JJPX01.0061, were clustered in time and geographical location. These results strongly suggest that both patterns of S. Newport are endemic to sites on the Eastern Shore where gulls were sampled. This study provides additional information regarding the epidemiology of S. Newport pattern 61 in Virginia and how tomatoes sold interstate may become contaminated in the field.
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30
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Gruszynski K, Pao S, Kim C, Toney D, Wright K, Ross PG, Colon A, Levine S. Evaluating wildlife as a potential source of Salmonella serotype Newport (JJPX01.0061) contamination for tomatoes on the eastern shore of Virginia. Zoonoses Public Health 2013; 61:202-7. [PMID: 23773825 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Eastern Shore of Virginia red, round tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella serotype Newport pattern JJPX01.0061 have been a source of several multistate outbreaks within the last 10 years. No source of the contamination has yet been identified. The goal of this study was to evaluate wildlife as a potential source of contamination. Faecal samples from deer, turtles and birds were collected between November 2010 and July 2011 from seventeen locations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A total of 262 samples were tested for the presence of Salmonella using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 23 (8.8%) samples tested positive for Salmonella spp. and were further characterized by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtyping. Overall, twelve serotypes were identified, including Salmonella serotype Javiana, another common serotype associated with tomato-related outbreaks. Only one avian sample collected in July 2011 was determined to be positive for S. Newport pattern 61. This sample was collected from the ground at a site where birds, mostly gulls, were congregating. Although many of the avian samples from this site were dry, the site yielded eleven positive Salmonella samples. This suggests that certain Salmonella serotypes may persist in the environment despite extreme conditions. The recovery of one Newport pattern 61 isolate alone does not yield much information regarding the environmental reservoirs of this pathogen, but when combined with other data including the recovery of several isolates of Javiana from birds, it suggests that birds might be a potential source of Salmonella contamination for tomatoes on the Eastern Shore.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gruszynski
- Office of Epidemiology, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, VA, USA
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31
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Lee C, Marion JW, Lee J. Development and application of a quantitative PCR assay targeting Catellicoccus marimammalium for assessing gull-associated fecal contamination at Lake Erie beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 454-455:1-8. [PMID: 23542477 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Gulls represent one of the major fecal contamination sources responsible for the degradation of water quality at Lake Erie beaches. For assessing gull-associated fecal contamination, a real-time quantitative PCR assay (qPCR) targeting 16S rRNA gene sequences from Catellicoccus marimammalium, which are abundant in gull feces, was developed and evaluated by comparing assay results with beach survey data that included gull counting, and quantifying densities of Escherichia coli and human-associated fecal markers at two Lake Erie beaches. In evaluating the specificity and sensitivity of the qPCR assay with animal and wastewater samples, C. marimammalium was detected in most gull fecal samples (80.7%), some chicken fecal samples (24.1%), but was not readily detected from other fecal samples of animals and humans, and wastewater. Among 66 Lake Erie water samples collected in 2010, C. marimammalium was frequently detected from Villa Angela (36.4%) and Headlands beaches (57.6%). C. marimammalium densities were not associated with E. coli densities or sanitary survey data. E. coli counts were likely driven by other sources, such as human, rather than gulls at the study sites. The presumption that human contamination influenced E. coli counts was supported by more frequent detection of the human-specific Bacteroides gyrB marker (gyrB) at Villa Angela (33.3%) than Headlands (6.1%). Since E. coli may not be an effective indicator for assessing gull-related fecal contamination at these beaches, where contamination sources are mixed, our novel qPCR assay can be useful for understanding fecal source contributions from gulls not explained by gull abundance or E. coli densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheonghoon Lee
- College of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Science, The Ohio State University, United States
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32
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Characterization of the Campylobacter jejuni cryptic plasmid pTIW94 recovered from wild birds in the southeastern United States. Plasmid 2013; 70:268-71. [PMID: 23639726 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The complete nucleotide sequence was determined for a cryptic plasmid, pTIW94, recovered from several Campylobacter jejuni isolates from wild birds in the southeastern United States. pTIW94 is a circular molecule of 3860 nucleotides, with a G+C content (31.0%) similar to that of many Campylobacter spp. genomes. A typical origin of replication, with iteron sequences, was identified upstream of DNA sequences that demonstrated similarity to replication initiation proteins. A total of five open reading frames (ORFs) were identified; two of the five ORFs demonstrated significant similarity to plasmid pCC2228-2 found within Campylobacter coli. These two ORFs were similar to essential replication proteins RepA (100%; 26/26 aa identity) and RepB (95%; 327/346 aa identity). A third identified ORF demonstrated significant similarity (99%; 421/424 aa identity) to the MOB protein from C. coli 67-8, originally recovered from swine. The other two identified ORFs were either similar to hypothetical proteins from other Campylobacter spp., or exhibited no significant similarity to any DNA or protein sequence in the GenBank database. Promoter regions (-35 and -10 signal sites), ribosomal binding sites upstream of ORFs, and stem-loop structures were also identified within the plasmid. These results demonstrate that pTIW94 represents a previously un-reported small cryptic plasmid with unique sequences as well as highly similar sequences to other small plasmids found within Campylobacter spp., and that this cryptic plasmid is present among Campylobacter spp. recovered from different genera of wild birds.
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Haack SK, Fogarty LR, Stelzer EA, Fuller LM, Brennan AK, Isaacs NM, Johnson HE. Geographic setting influences Great Lakes beach microbiological water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:12054-63. [PMID: 24073635 DOI: 10.1021/es402299a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding of factors that influence Escherichia coli (EC) and enterococci (ENT) concentrations, pathogen occurrence, and microbial sources at Great Lakes beaches comes largely from individual beach studies. Using 12 representative beaches, we tested enrichment cultures from 273 beach water and 22 tributary samples for EC, ENT, and genes indicating the bacterial pathogens Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Shigella spp. , Salmonella spp , Campylobacter jejuni/coli , and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , and 108-145 samples for Bacteroides human, ruminant, and gull source-marker genes. EC/ENT temporal patterns, general Bacteroides concentration, and pathogen types and occurrence were regionally consistent (up to 40 km), but beach catchment variables (drains/creeks, impervious surface, urban land cover) influenced exceedances of EC/ENT standards and detections of Salmonella and STEC. Pathogen detections were more numerous when the EC/ENT Beach Action Value (but not when the Geometric Mean and Statistical Threshold Value) was exceeded. EC, ENT, and pathogens were not necessarily influenced by the same variables. Multiple Bacteroides sources, varying by date, occurred at every beach. Study of multiple beaches in different geographic settings provided new insights on the contrasting influences of regional and local variables, and a broader-scale perspective, on significance of EC/ENT exceedances, bacterial sources, and pathogen occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheridan K Haack
- U.S. Geological Survey, Michigan Water Science Center , Lansing, Michigan 48911, United States
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34
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Aslan A, Rose J. Evaluation of the host specificity of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
alpha-1-6, mannanase gene as a sewage marker. Lett Appl Microbiol 2012; 56:51-6. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Aslan
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI USA
| | - J.B. Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI USA
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Converse RR, Kinzelman JL, Sams EA, Hudgens E, Dufour AP, Ryu H, Santo-Domingo JW, Kelty CA, Shanks OC, Siefring SD, Haugland RA, Wade TJ. Dramatic improvements in beach water quality following gull removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:10206-13. [PMID: 22913457 DOI: 10.1021/es302306b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gulls are often cited as important contributors of fecal contamination to surface waters, and some recreational beaches have used gull control measures to improve microbial water quality. In this study, gulls were chased from a Lake Michigan beach using specially trained dogs, and water quality improvements were quantified. Fecal indicator bacteria and potentially pathogenic bacteria were measured before and during gull control using culture methods and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Harassment by dogs was an effective method of gull control: average daily gull populations fell from 665 before to 17 during intervention; and a significant reduction in the density of a gull-associated marker was observed (p < 0.001). Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli densities were also significantly reduced during gull control (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively for culture methods; p = 0.012 and p = 0.034, respectively for qPCR). Linear regression results indicate that a 50% reduction in gulls was associated with a 38% and 29% decrease in Enterococcus spp. and E. coli densities, respectively. Potentially human pathogenic bacteria were detected on 64% of days prior to gull control and absent during gull intervention, a significant reduction (p = 0.005). This study demonstrates that gull removal can be a highly successful beach remedial action to improve microbial water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan R Converse
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States.
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Engeman RM, Hartmann JW, Beckerman SF, Seamans TW, Abu-Absi S. Egg oiling to reduce hatch-year ring-billed gull numbers on Chicago's beaches during swim season and water quality test results. ECOHEALTH 2012; 9:195-204. [PMID: 22492207 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-012-0760-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A burgeoning ring-billed gull population along Chicago's Lake Michigan beaches contributes to degraded water quality through fecal contamination. Egg oiling was conducted at Chicago's gull colonies to reduce production and the influx of hatch-year (HY) gulls using Chicago's beaches, with a second, long-term objective of eventually reducing adult gull numbers through attrition. We also investigated swim season water quality trends through the course of this work. From 2007 to 2009, 52, 80, and 81%, of nests at the two primary nest colonies had their eggs rendered inviable by corn oil application. Counts of HY and after hatch-year (AHY) gulls were analyzed during treatment years for 10 beaches. Water quality data were available from the Chicago Park District during our three treatment years and the prior year (baseline) for 19 beaches. HY counts declined at all 10 surveyed beaches from the initial year (52% nests with oiled eggs) to subsequent years with ~80% of nests oiled. Overall, HY gulls numbers on beaches decreased 86% from 2007 to 2009. Decreases in beach usage by AHY gulls were not detected. Compared to pretreatment, the number of beaches with improved water quality test rates increased each year through the course of the study. The frequency of water quality tests showing bacterial exceedances compared to 2006 declined at 18 of 19 beaches by 2009. Egg oiling resulted in fewer HY gulls using Chicago's beaches and was likely a beneficial factor for reduced frequencies of swim advisories and swim bans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Engeman
- USDA/APHIS-Wildlife Services-National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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Bacteroidales diversity in ring-billed gulls (Laurus delawarensis) residing at Lake Michigan beaches. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:1525-33. [PMID: 19151182 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02261-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and diversity of Bacteroidales fecal bacteria in gulls residing in the Great Lakes region. Members of this bacterial order have been widely employed as human and bovine host-specific markers of fecal pollution; however, few studies have focused on gulls, which can be a major source of fecal indicator bacteria and pathogens at beaches. We found a low but consistent occurrence of Bacteroidales in gulls at five beaches in three different counties spanning the Wisconsin shoreline of Lake Michigan. The percentages of gulls positive for Bacteroidales were 4 to 8% at beaches in the southern part of the state and 8 to 50% at beaches in the north. Sequencing of 931 clones from seven gull Bacteroidales 16S rRNA gene libraries revealed a large amount of diversity in both individual and pooled gull fecal samples. Two libraries constructed from pooled gull fecal samples (n = 5 and n = 6) did not have a greater richness of sequences than individual samples, suggesting that even within a single gull diversity is high and an extensive sequencing effort is needed to characterize the populations. Estimates of the numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for the libraries obtained using different similarity levels revealed a large amount of microdiveristy with a limited number of OTUs at the 95% similarity level. Gull sequences were clustered by the beach from which they were collected, suggesting that there were geographic effects on the distribution of Bacteriodales. More than 53% of the 16S rRNA gene sequences from gulls at the southern beaches were associated with the family Porphyromonadaceae, primarily the genus Parabacteroides, whereas sequences from gulls at the northern beaches were comprised of Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae sequences. Comparison of gull sequences with sequences from goose, canine, raccoon, and sewage sources revealed distinct clusters of closely related gull sequences; however, these sequences were widely dispersed across a dendrogram that included all other sources, including previously characterized gull Bacteroidales from other studies, suggesting that geographic influence or simply sample representation plays a greater role in the observed population structure than strictly the host gut environment.
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