Detection and quantification of human adenovirus genomes in Acanthamoeba isolated from swimming pools

ABSTRACT Acanthamoeba is the most common free-living environmental amoeba, it may serve as an important vehicle for various microorganisms living in the same environment, such as viruses, being pathogenic to humans. This study aimed to detect and quantify human adenoviruses (HAdV) in Acanthamoebas isolated from water samples collected from swimming pools in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba were isolated from water samples, and isolates (n=16) were used to investigate the occurrence of HAdVs. HAdV detection was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). HAdVs were detected in 62.5% (10/16) of Acanthamoeba isolates, ranging from 3.24x103 to 5.14x105 DNA copies per milliliter of isolate. HAdV viral loads found in this study are not negligible, especially because HAdV infections are associated with several human diseases, including gastroenteritis, respiratory distress, and ocular diseases. These findings reinforce the concept that Acanthamoeba may act as a reservoir and promote HAdV transmission through water

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma in surface waters in the area of Cracow

Despite some knowledge on the risks from exposure to intestinal parasitic protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma, no occurrence studies of these protozoa were conducted in Cracow area. Therefore, the purpose of the work was to examine the presence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma in surface water samples including intakes and recreational waters. The study showed that the vast majority of water samples were positive for Cryptosporidium sp., and some of the samples were positive for Giardia intestinalis. None of the tested water samples showed the presence of Toxoplasma. Given the limitations of the research methods used and the limits of detection, these results indicated that the concentration of protozoan cysts/oocysts may range from <1 to dozens oocysts/cysts per liter of water. These concentrations are comparable to the values given in reports of major worldwide outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis, which indicating a need to further investigate Cracow's surface waters

Occurrence of rotawiruses in water environment

Rotaviruses are amongst the most dangerous enteric microorganisms. The mortality rate due to rotaviral infections all over the world varies from four to five million deaths every year. Rotaviruses are responsible for the occurrence of severe diarrhea, which is particularly dangerous in infants, young children, elderly subjects and transplant patients. The reported study concentrates on two major items: the environment where rotaviruses are detected (untreated and treated sewage, sewage sludge, surface water, groundwater, water used for recreational needs, drinking water), and the pathway of rotavirus migration from the source of contamination to the system of tap water supply. Of the waterborne enteric viruses, rotaviruses are characterized by the highest infectivity. And this calls for special precautions and safety measures, primarily for a strict hygiene regimen, for efficacious disinfectants, and for the application of efficient sewage treatment trains. A prerequisite to achieve these goals is to make the public alert to any possible dangers resulting from rotaviral infections