Legionella spp. and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are opportunistic pathogens of public health concern. Hot water systems, including showers, have been identified as a potential source of infection. This paper describes the colonization of Legionella and MAC on the flexible tubing within a model potable shower system, utilizing thermostatic mixing and a flexible shower head. A MAC qPCR method of enumeration was also developed. MAC and Legionella spp. were detected within the biofilm at maximum concentrations of 7.0 × 104 and 2.0 × 103 copies/cm2 PVC tubing respectively. No significant changes were observed between sample of the flexible shower tubing that dried between uses and those that remained filled with water. This suggested the "unhooking" showerheads and allowing them to dry is not an effective method to reduce the risk of Legionella or MAC colonisation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584274 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens4030590 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Synergistic effects of ozonation pretreatment and trace phosphate on water quality health risk and microbial stability in simulated drinking water distribution systems.
J Hazard Mater
December 2024
Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
The proliferation and chlorine resistance of pathogenic bacteria in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) pose a serious threat to human health. In this study, the synergistic effects of ozonation pretreatment and trace phosphate on water quality health risk and microbial stability were investigated in the small-scale DWDSs simulated by biofilms annular reactors with cast iron coupons. The results indicated that ozonation of drinking water containing trace phosphate was equivalent to increasing microbial carbon and phosphorus sources, further leading to the rapid proliferation of opportunistic pathogens (OPs) in subsequent DWDSs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMeningitis due to Gemella sp. in a patient with severe ENT conditions: case report and review of the literature.
Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob
December 2024
Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, F-59300, France.
In June 2022, a 73-year-old man with a history of laryngeal and esophageal carcinoma was admitted to the emergency unit with sudden fever, confusion, and general condition deterioration. Initial assessments showed a fever of 38.5 °C, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) at 209 mg/L, and a neutrophil count of 10.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDetection of spp. in influent wastewater in Kobe City, Japan.
J Water Health
November 2024
Department of Infectious Diseases, Kobe Institute of Health, Kobe, Japan E-mail:
Article Synopsis
- The text discusses the investigation of an important waterborne pathogen associated with Legionnaires' disease (LD) found in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Kobe, Japan, from April 2023 to March 2024.
- Researchers discovered that the pathogen was present in varying concentrations across all seasons, with one specific species being the most common.
- The study emphasizes the potential risk of LD from influent wastewater in Japan, particularly in the context of frequent natural disasters, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
Analysis of water and aerosol samples of tunnel car washes operated with recycled water for Legionella with culture, qPCR and viability-qPCR.
Sci Total Environ
December 2024
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany; Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Due to the generation of large quantities of aerosol and the recycling of water, tunnel car washes are discussed as potential sources of legionellosis. Additionally, occupational health and safety aspects are important for tunnel car washes as they are often workplaces. A total of 17 different tunnel car washes were investigated for the presence of Legionella.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe T4bSS of Legionella features a two-step secretion pathway with an inner membrane intermediate for secretion of transmembrane effectors.
PLoS Pathog
November 2024
University of Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), Section of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Tübingen, Germany.
To promote intracellular survival and infection, Legionella spp. translocate hundreds of effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells using a type IV b protein secretion system (T4bSS). T4bSS are well known to translocate soluble as well as transmembrane domain-containing effector proteins (TMD-effectors) but the mechanisms of secretion are still poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!