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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. Water Res 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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2
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Tarabay J, Varkey JB. The potential risks of Legionella arising from ligature-resistant fixtures. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:344-348. [PMID: 37604209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
To provide a safe environment, behavioral health settings must adhere to "ligature-resistant" protocols for patients at risk of harm to themselves or others. However, certain bathroom ligature-resistant fixtures alter environmental controls, such as sinks and showerheads, and increase the risk of water-borne pathogens due to low water output settings, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary water management program. We describe how ligature-resistant water fixtures may have been associated with a possible case of hospital-associated Legionellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tarabay
- Department of Quality and Infection Prevention, Emory University Hospital, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Jay B Varkey
- Department of Quality and Infection Prevention, Emory University Hospital, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Houéménou H, Gauthier P, Houéménou G, Mama D, Alassane A, Socohou A, Dossou HJ, Badou S, Picardeau M, Tweed S, Leblanc M, Dobigny G. Pathogenic Leptospira and water quality in African cities: A case study of Cotonou, Benin. Sci Total Environ 2021; 774:145541. [PMID: 33609844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a waterborne zoonosis (60,000 infections and 1 million deaths annually). Knowledge about the disease in the urban context is surprisingly rare, especially in Africa. Here, we provide the first study of leptospires in waters within an African city. A simple centrifugation-based method was developed to screen waterborne leptospires from remote or poorly areas. Major ions, trace elements, stable isotopes and pathogenic Leptospira were then seasonally investigated in 193 water samples from three neighborhoods of Cotonou (Benin) with different socio-environmental and hydrographic characteristics. Firstly, no leptospire was detected in tap waters. Secondly, although surface contamination cannot be excluded, one groundwater well was found leptospire positive. Thirdly, pathogenic Leptospira mainly contaminated surface waters of temporary and permanent ponds (9.5% and 27.3% of total prevalence, respectively). Isotopic signatures suggest that leptospires occurred in pond waters formed at the beginning of the rainy season following low to moderate rainfall events. Nevertheless, Leptospira-containing waters possess physico-chemical characteristics that are similar to the spectrum of waters sampled throughout the three sites, thus suggesting that Cotonou waters are widely compatible with Leptospira survival. The frequent contact with water exposes Cotonou inhabitants to the risk of leptospirosis which deserves more attention from public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honoré Houéménou
- University of Avignon, Hydrogeology Laboratory, UMR EMMAH, Avignon, France; INE, Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P., 4521 Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Philippe Gauthier
- IRD, CBGP (UMR IRD-INRAE-Cirad-Montpellier SupAgro), MUSE, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Gualbert Houéménou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, University of Abomey-Calavi, EPAC, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Daouda Mama
- INE, Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P., 4521 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Abdoukarim Alassane
- INE, Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P., 4521 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Akilou Socohou
- INE, Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P., 4521 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Henri-Joël Dossou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, University of Abomey-Calavi, EPAC, Cotonou, Benin; IGATE, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Sylvestre Badou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, University of Abomey-Calavi, EPAC, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur de Paris, Laboratoire des Spirochètes, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Tweed
- G-EAU (UMR IRD-IRSTEA-Cirad-Agro Paris Tech-Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - Marc Leblanc
- University of Avignon, Hydrogeology Laboratory, UMR EMMAH, Avignon, France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- IRD, CBGP (UMR IRD-INRAE-Cirad-Montpellier SupAgro), MUSE, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France; Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, University of Abomey-Calavi, EPAC, Cotonou, Benin
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Baig U, Ansari MA, Gondal MA, Akhtar S, Khan FA, Falath WS. Single step production of high-purity copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites and their effective antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against drug-resistant bacteria. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2020; 113:110992. [PMID: 32487404 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present research work, copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized for the first time using advanced pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique for disinfection of drug-resistant pathogenic waterborne biofilm-producing bacterial strains. For this, a series of copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized by varying the composition of copper oxide (5%, 10%, and 20%) with titanium dioxide. The pure titanium dioxide and copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites were characterized by advanced instrumental techniques. XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping and XPS analysis results consistently revealed the successful formation of copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites using PLAL technique. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of pure titanium dioxide and copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites were investigated against biofilm-producing strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by various methods. Our results revealed that the PLAL synthesized copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites showed enhanced anti-biofilm and antibacterial activity compared to pure titanium dioxide in a dose-dependent manner against targeted pathogens. Furthermore, the effects of pure titanium dioxide and copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites on bacterial morphology, biofilm formation, aggregation and their colonization by targeted pathogens were also examined using scanning electron microscopy. Microscopic images clearly showed that the cell envelope of almost all the cells were rumples, rough, had irregularities and abnormal appearance with the major damage being characterized by the formation of "pits". Many depressions and indentations were also seen in their cell envelope and the original shape of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells changed from normal rod to swollen, large and elongated which indicates the loss of membrane integrity and damage of cell wall and membrane. The findings suggested that PLAL synthesized copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites have good potential for removal of biofilm or killing of pathogenic bacteria in water distribution network and for wastewater treatment, hospital and environmental applications. In addition, cytotoxic activity of pure TiO2 and PLAL synthesized copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites against normal and healthy cells (HEK-293) and cancerous cells (HCT-116) were also evaluated by MTT assay. The MTT assay results showed no cytotoxic effects on HEK-293 cells, which suggest TiO2 and PLAL synthesized copper oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposites are non-toxic to the normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Baig
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment and Center for Environment and Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Azam Ansari
- Epidemic Disease Research Department, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, 31441 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Gondal
- Department of Physics & Center for Research Excellence in Nanotechnology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261¸ Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sultan Akhtar
- Department of Biophysics, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, 31441 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdos Alam Khan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations, (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - W S Falath
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment and Center for Environment and Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261¸ Saudi Arabia
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D'Ugo E, Marcheggiani S, Fioramonti I, Giuseppetti R, Spurio R, Helmi K, Guillebault D, Medlin LK, Simeonovski I, Boots B, Breitenbach U, Koker L, Albay M, Mancini L. Detection of Human Enteric Viruses in Freshwater from European Countries. Food Environ Virol 2016; 8:206-214. [PMID: 27117764 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9238-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of water-borne pathogens typically occurs by a faecal-oral route, through inhalation of aerosols, or by direct or indirect contact with contaminated water. Previous molecular-based studies have identified viral particles of zoonotic and human nature in surface waters. Contaminated water can lead to human health issues, and the development of rapid methods for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms is a valuable tool for the prevention of their spread. The aims of this work were to determine the presence and identity of representative human pathogenic enteric viruses in water samples from six European countries by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and to develop two quantitative PCR methods for Adenovirus 41 and Mammalian Orthoreoviruses. A 2-year survey showed that Norovirus, Mammalian Orthoreovirus and Adenoviruses were the most frequently identified enteric viruses in the sampled surface waters. Although it was not possible to establish viability and infectivity of the viruses considered, the detectable presence of pathogenic viruses may represent a potential risk for human health. The methodology developed may aid in rapid detection of these pathogens for monitoring quality of surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio D'Ugo
- Quality and Fishfarm Unit, Department Environmental Environment & Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefania Marcheggiani
- Quality and Fishfarm Unit, Department Environmental Environment & Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fioramonti
- Quality and Fishfarm Unit, Department Environmental Environment & Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Giuseppetti
- Quality and Fishfarm Unit, Department Environmental Environment & Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Spurio
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - Karim Helmi
- Veolia Rechercheur & Innovation, Saint-Maurice, France
| | | | - Linda K Medlin
- Microbia Environnement, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650, Banyuls/Mer, France
| | - Ivan Simeonovski
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Bas Boots
- UCD School of Biosystems Engineering, Agriculture and Food Science Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Latife Koker
- Fisheries Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meric Albay
- Fisheries Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Laura Mancini
- Quality and Fishfarm Unit, Department Environmental Environment & Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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