Überleben von Legionellen im Meerwasser

Legionele se primarno nalaze u vodenim sredinama, najčešće umjetno stvorenim, kao što su sustavi s toplom vodom, jacuzziji, rekreacijski bazeni, klima uređaji i slično. Dobro je poznata činjenica da legionele preživljavaju u slatkovodnim sustavima, no preživljavanje uz visoke koncentracije soli nije detaljno ispitano. U ovoj studiji in vitro pokusima ispitano je preživljavanje Legionella u uzorcima morske vode, vodovodne vode te klorirane vode iz morskog bazena. Korištena su dva soja bakterije, Legionella pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 kao klinički izolat i Legionella pneumophila ST82 koja je izolirana iz morskog bazena. U sirovoj morskoj vodi, kao i u vodovodnoj vodi obje vrste bakterije preživljavaju više od 30 dana. U filtriranoj morskoj vodi L. pneumophila soj ST82 preživljava preko 30 dana, dok L. pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 ugiba unutar 25 dana. Važan faktor u preživljavanju oba soja je i razrjeđenje klorirane morske vode s nekloriranom vodovodnom vodom. Rezultati ukazuju da je neophodna konstantna kontrola i pridržavanje protokola održavanja voda u hotelskim sustavima, te je neophodno uvođenje dodatnih protokola za bazene s morskom vodom. Jedino adekvatnim procesima higijene i monitoringa možemo dovesti do značajnijeg smanjenja rizika od pojave legionarske bolesti i njenog širenja.Legionellae primarily appear in water environments, mostly artificially created, such as warm water systems, Jacuzzis, recreation pools, air conditioning systems, etc. It is well known that legionellae survive in freshwater systems; however, their survival in water with high salt concentrations has not been researched in detail. In vitro tests in this study examined the survival of Legionella in samples of seawater, potable water and chlorinated water from a saltwater pool. We used two bacterial strains - Legionella pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 as the clinical isolate and Legionella pneumophila ST82 isolated from the saltwater pool. Both bacteria survive over 30 days in raw seawater and potable water. In filtered seawater, L. pneumophila strain ST82 survives over 30 days, whereas L. pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 dies within 25 days. An important factor for the survival of both strains is a dilution of chlorinated seawater with non-chlorinated potable water. Our results indicate that a constant control and adherence to water managing protocols are essential in hotel systems, and that additional protocols for saltwater pools are necessary. Only adequate hygiene and monitoring processes can lead to a significant risk reduction of the occurrence and spread of Legionnaires’ disease.Legionellen kommen vor allem in künstlichen Wasserumgebungen vor, z.B. in Warmwasseranlagen, Jacuzzis, Schwimmbäder, Klimaanlagen u ä. Es ist auch gut bekannt, dass Legionellen in Süßwassersystemen vorkommen; ihr Überleben in der Umgebung mit hohen Salzkonzentrationen ist allerdings bisher nicht näher untersucht worden. In dieser Studie wurde anhand von In-vitro-Untersuchungen das Überleben von Legionellen in Proben von Meerwasser, Leitungswasser und gechlortem Wasser aus dem Meerschwimmbad geprüft. Zwei Bakterienstämme wurden verwendet, Legionella pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 als klinisches Isolat und Legionella pneumophila ST82, der aus dem Meerschwimmbadwasser isoliert wurde. In unbehandeltem Meerwasser sowie im Leitungswasser überleben die beiden Bakterienarten über 30 Tage. Im filtrierten Meerwasser überlebt L. pneumophila ST82 (Serotyp 1) über 30 Tage, während L. pneumophila ATCC BAA-74 innerhalb 25 Tage abstirbt. Ein wichtiger Überlebensfaktor bei beiden Bakterienstämmen ist die Verdünnung des Meerwassers mit nicht gechlortem Leitungswassers. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine ständige Kontrolle und Durchführung des Protokolls für Wasserqualität in Hotels notwendig sind, und dass zusätzliche Protokolle für Meerwasserschwimmbäder eingeführt werden sollen. Nur mit der Durchführung entsprechender Hygienemaßnahmen und Überwachungsprozesse lässt sich das Risiko einer Legionellose verringern

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Kostrena Coastal Area

The aim of this study was to determine pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals in seawater and sediment in Kostrena coastal area, as well as their toxicity using bioluminescence based tests. Total PAH concentration in seawater ranged 1.7-155.3 ng/L. The share of carcinogenetic PAH was relatively high, ranging 22–48.3%. Nickel concentrations in seawater were beyond detection limits (<0.1 mg/L), vanadium concentrations ranged 0.66–1.96 mg/L, chrome concentrations were beyond detection limits, and copper concentrations were also beyond detection limits or extremely low (up to 0.32 mg/L). EC50 values in seawater ranged 23.80–90.90 ng/L. Correlation between total PAH concentration and toxicity of seawater showed strong connection between them (r=0.9579). Total PAH concentration in marine sediment ranged 58.02–1116 mg/kg dry weight (d.w.). The share of carcinogenetic PAH was extremely high ranging 10–53%. Nickel concentrations in marine sediment ranged 8–24 mg/kg d.w., vanadium concentrations ranged 24–42 mg/kg d.w., chrome concentrations ranged 11–19 mg/kg d.w., and copper concentrations ranged 7–25 mg/kg d.w. EC50 values in marine sediment ranged 818–4596 mg/kg d.w. Correlation between total PAH concentration and toxicity of marine sediment showed weak connection between them (r=0.2590). Previous studies of seawater samples from areas of the Adriatic sea under the direct influence of oil industry did not include concentrations of heavy metals, which makes our study the first to present such comprehensive results. Our results point out the need for further evaluations and following of marine environment pollution and its consequences on living organisms and marine ecosystem in whole

Metal Pollution Index and Related Health Risks of Consumers of Lipsticks Available on the Market in the Republic of Croatia

Cilj: Budući da tragovi metala nisu deklarativno navedeni na kozmetičkim proizvodima, posebice ruževima za usne, nameće se potreba za utvrđivanjem njihove prisutnosti i analizom toksikoloških učinaka. Ovim istraživanjem analizirala se prisutnost i raspodjela metala Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb te Cu i Zn u ruževima za usne. Materijali i metode: Analizirano je 100 uzoraka ruževa za usne različitih proizvođača ovisno o zemlji proizvodnje (Europska unija - EU, Kina, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo – UK i nepoznato podrijetlo). Udjeli metala određeni su analitičkom tehnikom ICP-MS. Rezultati: Rezultati skupnih podataka ukazuju na dominaciju Pb u opterećenosti metalima (indeks IOM) uzoraka ruževa za usne, kod uzoraka proizvođača EU-a dominira utjecaj Pb i Zn, dok kod proizvođača s područja Kine najjači utjecaj na IOM ima Cr. Predloženi linearni prediktivni model ukazuje na to da u skupnim uzorcima i onima s različitih područja dominaciju ostvaruje Cd, iako i Pb ima znatnu ulogu kao opterećujući metal. Ni je prisutan kao toksikant u svim uzorcima osim onih s područja Kine, dok Cr znatnu ulogu ima jedino kod proizvođača iz EU-a. Uspoređujući sa zakonskom regulativom, udjeli analiziranih metala niži su od utvrđenih maksimalno dopuštenih koncentracija (MDK) za pojedine metale, osim uzoraka proizvođača s područja Kine gdje je detektiran viši udio Ni od propisanih vrijednosti MDK. Zaključci: Rezultati studije pokazuju da, bez obzira na sadržaj toksičnih metala u kozmetičkim proizvodima, treba obratiti pažnju na dugoročan period njihove primjene te slab indeks eliminacije iz organizma. Poradi sigurnosti primjene kozmetičkih proizvoda nameće se potreba za kontinuiranim praćenjem opterećenosti teškim metalima, kao i redovitom kontrolom generiranih zdravstvenih rizika pri uporabi takvih proizvoda.Aim: Trace metals are not declaratively stated on cosmetic products, especially lipsticks, there is a need to determine their presence and analyze toxicological effects. This research analyzed the presence and distribution of the metals Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb and Cu and Zn in lipsticks. Materials and methods: 100 samples of lipsticks from different manufacturers were analyzed depending on the country of manufacture (European Union - EU, China, United Kingdom - UK and unknown origin). Metal content was determined using the ICP-MS analytical technique. Results: The results of the collective data indicate the dominance of Pb in the metal pollution index of lipstick samples. In samples from EU producers the influence of Pb and Zn is dominant, while in Chinese producers the strongest influence on IOM is Cr. The proposed linear predictive model indicates that Cd dominates in collective and samples from different areas, although Pb also plays a significant role as a burdening metal, Ni is present as a toxicant in all samples except from China, while Cr plays a significant role only in producers from the EU. By comparison with the legal regulations, the proportions of the analyzed metals are lower than the determined maximum allowed concentrations for certain metals, except for the sample of producers from China, where a higher proportion of Ni than the prescribed maximum allowed concentration values, was detected. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that, regardless of the content of toxic metals in cosmetic products, attention should be paid to the long-term period of their application and the low index of elimination from the body. Due to the safety of the application of cosmetic products, there is a need for continuous monitoring of heavy metal content as well as regular control of health risks generated when using such products

Mosquitos in the municipality of Jelenje

Cilj: Otkriti zastupljenost pojedinih vrsta komaraca te napraviti kartu rasprostranjenostiuzorkovanih legala. Istraživanje je provedeno u svrhu kontrole pojavljivanja zaraznih bolestičiji su vektori komarci. Metode: Prilikom provedbe istraživanja korišteni materijali su:ovipozicijske klopke koje se sastoje od plastične posude i lesonitske letvice, 70 %-tni etanol,staklene bočice, plastične posudice za pohranu uzoraka te aplikacija Map coordinates. Istraživanjeje provedeno postavljanjem ovipozicijskih klopki na 40 lokacija unutar područja OpćineJelenje, uzorkovanjem ličinki i odraslih jedinki komaraca. Rezultati: U razdoblju od travnja dolipnja 2015. godine na području Općine Jelenje na 22 lokacije iz 29 različitih legla prikupljenoje 137 ličinki komaraca. Prikupljeno je ukupno 6 uzoraka odraslih jedinki. Svi determiniraniuzorci pripadaju jednom od navedenih rodova komaraca: Aedes, Anopheles, Culex i Culiseta.Određivanje vrsta prikupljenih uzoraka provedeno je u laboratoriju Nastavnog zavoda za javnozdravstvo Primorsko-goranske županije. Zaključak: Postojeći uvjeti potrebni za razvoj i razmnožavanjete prisutni vektorski potencijal determiniranih komaraca uz eventualnu pojavnostuzročnika mogu imati značajan utjecaj na širenje zaraznih bolesti. Prekomjerna brojnostjedinki komaraca zbog povoljnih životnih uvjeta, kao i zbog povećanih migracija ljudi te transportaroba, postaje sve izraženiji problem za ljudsko zdravlje te je potrebno osvijestiti javnosto važnosti i načinima sprječavanja razmnožavanja i širenja komaraca.Aim: The purpose of this research was to determine abundance of the certainmosquito species and to create distribution chart of the sampled population. Methods: Theresearch was conducted by setting oviposition traps on 40 locations inside the area of theJelenje municipality. Also, larvae and adult mosquitoes were collected. Results: 29 larvaesamples of larvae were collected on 22 locations in a period from April to June 2015, so thetotal number of sampled larvae is 137. Six adult mosquitoes were collected. All determinedspecies belong to one of this genus of mosquitoes: Aedes, Anopheles, Culex and Culiseta.Determination of the type of the collected samples was conducted in the laboratory of theTeaching Institute of Public Health Primorsko-goranska County. Conclusion: Existingconditions which are necessary for the development and reproduction, with present vectorpotential of determined mosquitoes and with the possible occurrence of pathogens, canhave a significant impact on the spread of infectious diseases. Excessive number ofmosquitoes, enabled by favoring life conditions and increased migrations and merchandisetransport can become a problem for human health and it is necessary to educate the publicabout importance and ways of suppressing breeding of mosquitoes and their expansion

Tuberculosis in Primorsko-goranska County from 2010 to 2012 – an epidemiological view

Cilj: Cilj rada bio je prikazati kretanje incidencije tuberkuloze u Primorsko-goranskoj županiji u trogodišnjem razdoblju, s epidemiološkim osvrtom na obradu rezultata. Metode: Podaci korišteni u ovom radu prikupljeni su tijekom 2010., 2011. i 2012. godine iz zdravstvenih ustanova primarne, sekundarne i tercijarne razine zdravstvene zaštite u Primorsko-goranskoj županiji. Podaci su prikupljani i obrađivani koristeći informatičku aplikaciju AZAPOS, izrađenu za potrebe praćenja osoba oboljelih od tuberkuloze i njihovih ukućana te drugih kontakata, posredstvom podataka koji u epidemiološku službu Primorsko-goranske županije pristižu iz svih razina zdravstvene zaštite. Rezultati: U Primorsko-goranskoj županiji najniža stopa incidencije tuberkuloze (13,4/100.000 stanovnika) zabilježena je 2010. godine, kada su registrirana 43 pacijenta. Sljedećih godina broj pacijenata obuhvaćenih analizom rastao je, te je 2011. godine bilo 54 novooboljelih (17,3/100.000 stanovnika), a 2012. godine zabilježena je incidencija od 18,3 na 100.000 stanovnika, odnosno, evidentirano je 57 novooboljelih s tuberkulozom. Od tuberkuloze su češće obolijevali muškarci, a više od polovice pacijenata pri- padalo je dobnim skupinama iznad 50 godina života. Zaključak: Podaci o pojavnosti tuberkuloze tijekom posljednjih godina na području Primorsko-goranske županije nedvojbeno ukazuju na potrebu unaprjeđenja multisektorskog pristupa u radu epidemiološke službe, ali i potrebu za kontinuiranim i usklađenim aktivnostima na svim razinama zdravstvene zaštite, radi pravovremenog prijavljivanja, evidencije te liječenja i prevencije pobola u skladu s mjera- ma koje su propisane Naputkom za suzbijanje i sprječavanje tuberkuloze.Aim: To show the incidence of tuberculosis in the Primorsko-goranska County during a three-year period with a focus on the epidemiological view. Methods: Data used in this paper were collected during 2010, 2011 and 2012 from primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels in the Primorsko-goranska County. Data were collected and analyzed using AZAPOS application, designed for the purpose of monitoring tuberculosis patients, their household members and other contacts through data coming from all levels of health care towards the epidemiology service of Primorsko-goranska County. Results: In the Primorsko- goranska County the lowest incidence rate (13,4/100.000 inhabitants) was recorded in 2010 with 43 new patients. In the following years covered by the analysis, the number of patients grew. In 2011 there were 54 new cases (17.3/100.000 inhabitants), and in 2012 there were 57 new cases of tuberculosis with the observed incidence of 18,3 per 100.000 inhabitants. Tuberculosis was more frequent among men, and more than half of patients belonged to the age groups above 50 years of age. Conclusion: Data on the incidence of tuberculosis in recent years in the region of Primorsko-goranska County undoubtedly points towards the need of improving the multi-sectoral approach in the work of epidemiology service and the need for continued and concerted actions at all health care levels, targeted at timely reporting, detection, treatment and morbidity prevention in accordance with national official guidelines

A baseline study of the metallothioneins content in digestive gland of the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus from Northern Adriatic Sea: Body size, season, gender and metal specific variability

Metallothioneins content was investigated in digestive gland of two wild-caught Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus populations from the Northern Adriatic Sea, in relation to body size, season and gender. Concomitant accumulation of cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium and manganese, reactive oxygen species concentration and energy reserves in digestive gland were also assessed. While differences between genders were not recorded, metallothioneins content seasonal trends were affected by body size. Most of parameters displayed inconsistent trends across sampling sites. Significant correlation between metallothioneins content and cadmium, arsenic and mercury concentrations was recorded only for larger lobsters. A negative correlation of reactive oxygen species concentration and metallothioneins content was observed for small, but not large lobsters. Energy reserves, in particular lipids, could considerably influence biochemical and chemical parameters variations. The present results constitute the essential baseline for future studies aimed at evaluating the N. norvegicus health in relation to metal contamination of coastal sediments

La vida está “al otro lado del mar”

Libro reseñado:&nbsp;Al otro lado del mar. María Cristina Restrepo. Bogotá, Alfaguara, 2017, 253 pp

Mosquitoes in Croatia, transmitting diseases, ways of prevention and control

SažetakZaštita prirode i okoliša danas čini sastavni dio gospodarskog i šireg društvenog razvoja. Podizanjem razine svijesti, proaktivnim razmišljanjem i djelovanjem, možemo računati na 10.održivi razvoj nadolazećih generacija. Ipak, u toj namjeri promjene ekosustava posljedično utječu na brojnost pojedinih vrsta insekata. Komarci su kozmopolitske životinje iz porodice Culicidae. Prenosnici su mnogih patogena koji izazivaju brojne bolesti kod ljudi i životinja: denga groznica, žuta groznica, groznica Zapadnog Nila, tularemija, japanski encefalitis, malarija, zika groznica i dr. Cilj ovoga preglednog rada je sažeto objediniti trenutne znanstvene spoznaje o komarcima, njihovom životnom ciklusu, vrstama prisutnima u Republici Hrvatskoj, načinu prenošenja mikroorganizama, bolestima koje pojedine vrste komaraca na području Hrvatske prenose te prikaz najmodernijih rješenja prevencije i suzbijanja invazivne vektorske vrste komarca Aedes albopictus putem tehnike sterilnih mužjaka (SIT) koja se smatra među ekološki najprihvatljivijom i najrazvijenijom metodom suzbijanja štetočina kukaca.SummaryToday, the protection of nature and the environment is an integral part of economic and general social development. By raising awareness, thinking and acting proactively, we can count on the sustainable development of future generations. Nevertheless, changes in the ecosystem also have an impact on the number of individual insect species. Mosquitoes are cosmopolitan animals belonging to the family Culicidae. They are carriers of many pathogens that cause numerous diseases in humans and animals: Dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile fever, tularemia, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, Zika fever, etc. The aim of this review is to summarize the current scientific knowledge about mosquitoes, their life cycle, the species present in the Republic of Croatia, the mode of transmission of microorganisms and the diseases transmitted by certain mosquito species in Croatia, and to present the most modern solutions for prevention and control of invasive vector species of mosquito Aedes albopictus using the technique of sterile males (SIT), which is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and developed methods of insect pest control

Ima li opravdanja za proaktivan pristup kontroli bakterije Legionella u okolišu?

Research background. Legionella are Gram-negative bacteria that are ubiquitous in the natural environment. Contaminated water in man-made water systems is a potential source of transmission of legionnaires’ disease. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of Legionella pneumophila in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) of Primorje-Gorski Kotar (PGK) County, Croatia, for the period 2013-2019, coupled with the incidence of legionnaires’ disease. A number of L. pneumophila-positive samples (>100 CFU/L), serogroup distribution and the degree of contamination of specific facilities (health and aged care, tourism, and sports) were assessed. Based on the obtained results, the reasoning for the implementation of a mandatory Legionella environmental surveillance program was assessed. Experimental approach. Sample testing for Legionella was carried out according to the standard method for enumeration of this bacterium. A heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa number were analysed along with the basic physicochemical indicators of drinking water quality. The research period was divided into two parts, namely, the 2013-2018 period (before implementation of the prevention program, after the outbreak of legionnaires’ disease), and the year 2019 (proactive approach, no disease cases recorded). Results and conclusions. During the 7-year observation period in PGK County, an increase in the number of samples tested for Legionella was found. An increase in Legionella-positive samples (particularly pronounced during the warmer part of the year) was recorded, along with a growing trend in the number of reported legionnaires’ disease cases. In addition to hot water systems, the risk of Legionella colonisation also applies to cold water systems. Health and aged care facilities appear to be at highest risk. In addition to the higher proportion of positive samples and a higher degree of microbiological load in these facilities, the highest proportion of L. pneumophila SGs 2-14 was identified. Due to the diagnostic limitations of the applied tests, the number of legionnaires’ disease cases is underdiagnosed. Novelty and scientific contribution. The introduction of a mandatory preventive approach to monitoring Legionella in DWDS water samples, along with the definition of national criteria for the interpretation of the results will create the preconditions for diagnosis and adequate treatment of larger numbers of legionnaires’ disease cases.Pozadina istraživanja. Legionella spada u skupinu Gram-negativnih bakterija sveprisutnih u prirodnom okolišu. Potencijalni izvor prijenosa legionarske bolesti je onečišćena voda koja se nalazi u vodoopskrbnim sustavima. Svrha je ove studije bila istražiti raširenost bakterije Legionella pneumophila u distribucijskom sustavu vode za piće Primorsko-goranske županije, Hrvatska, u razdoblju od 2013. do 2019. godine te ispitati učestalost pojave legionarske bolesti. Određen je broj uzoraka pozitivnih na L. pneumophila (>100 CFU/L), kao i raspodjela serogrupa te stupanj onečišćenja pojedinih vrsta objekata (zdravstvene ustanove i ustanove za starije i nemoćne osobe, turistički i sportski objekti). Na osnovi dobivenih rezultata procijenjena je opravdanost provedbe obveznog programa nadzora bakterije Legionella u okolišu. Eksperimentalni pristup. Prisutnost bakterije Legionella u uzorcima ispitana je prema standardnoj metodi za brojenje ove bakterije. Analiziran je broj izraslih kolonija i broj bakterija Pseudomonas aeruginosa, zajedno s osnovnim fizikalno-kemijskim pokazateljima kakvoće vode za piće. Razdoblje istraživanja podijeljeno je u dva dijela, od 2013. do 2018. godine (prije provedbe preventivnog programa, nakon pojave legionarske bolesti) i 2019. godina (proaktivan pristup, bez zabilježenih slučajeva bolesti). Rezultati i zaključci. Tijekom sedmogodišnjeg razdoblja istraživanja je u Primorsko-goranskoj županiji utvrđeno povećanje broja uzoraka ispitanih na prisutnost bakterije Legionella. Zabilježen je porast pozitivnih uzoraka (osobito izražen tijekom toplijeg dijela godine), zajedno s rastućim trendom broja prijavljenih slučajeva legionarske bolesti. Osim sustava potrošne tople vode, rizik od kolonizacije bakterijom Legionella povezan je i sa sustavima hladne vode. Najveći rizik javlja se u zdravstvenim ustanovama i ustanovama za njegu starijih osoba. Uz veći udjel pozitivnih uzoraka i veći stupanj mikrobiološkog opterećenja, u tim objektima identificiran je i najveći udjel L. pneumophila SG 2-14. Zbog ograničenja primijenjenih dijagnostičkih testova, određeni broj slučajeva legionarske bolesti ostaje nedijagnosticiran. Novina i znanstveni doprinos. Uvođenjem obveznog preventivnog pristupa praćenja bakterije Legionella u sustavima distribucije vode za piće te definiranjem nacionalnih kriterija interpretacije rezultata stvorit će se preduvjeti za dijagnostiku i odgovarajuće liječenje većeg broja slučajeva legionarske bolesti