High numbers ofStaphylococcus aureusat three bathing beaches in South Florida

Abstract

While the value of Staphylococcus aureus as an indicator for non-enteric diseases is unclear, understanding its prevalence in recreational beaches would prove useful, given its pathogenic potential. Staphylococcus aureus levels were evaluated in sand and seawater at three beaches during one year. To elucidate possible S. aureus sources or colonization trends, distribution in sand was analyzed at Hollywood Beach. Staphylococcus aureus levels fluctuated throughout the study with highest average densities detected in dry sand (3.46 × 10⁵ CFU/g, Hobie Beach), particularly at beaches with high human density. Patchy distribution marked hotspots of human use and/or possible bacterial re-growth. Data from a brief epidemiological survey indicated a very slight association between beach usage and skin conditions; suggesting high S. aureus levels in sand may not necessarily constitute major health risks. Because the possibility of disease transmission exists, particularly to children and immuno-compromised beach-goers, periodic surveying of highly frequented beaches seems warranted.

Microbes in beach sands: integrating environment, ecology and public health

“…The numbers of S. aureus were higher in wet beach sand during summer months of more intense beach usage by bathers. Esiobu et al (2013) detected S. aureus in beach sand at Florida marine beaches, with the highest average densities in dry sand at 3.46 × 10 5 CFU/g. They reported the occurrence of S. aureus to be associated with hotspots of human use and possible bacterial re-replication.…”

“…S. aureus has been commonly reported from beach sand at subtropical marine beaches in Florida, U.S. (Esiobu et al 2013; Esiobu et al 2004; Plano et al 2011; Shah et al 2011). Esiobu et al (2004) detected S. aureus in wet and dry sand from three marine beaches in southern Florida, where S. aureus was more abundant in sand than adjacent water and occurred at densities as high as 57.5 × 10 3 per g sand.…”

“…Beach user time spent in contact with dry sand (5m above high tide line) was not associated with increased illness at this beach. Esiobu et al (2013) detected S. aureus in beach sand at three Florida marine beaches. A brief epidemiology survey conducted in this study found a slight association between beach use and skin infections, although S. aureus in beach sand was not considered to constitute a major health risk…”

The pharmacological impact of ATP-binding cassette drug transporters on vemurafenib-based therapy

“…For an anticancer agent to be effective, a sufficient amount of the drug must be distributed to the target site(s), which is dependent on the chemical and biological properties of the therapeutic agent, as well as the location of the target site(s). Cancer cells can often acquire resistance through adaptation or spontaneous induction of certain key regulatory genes during the course of chemotherapy, which is dependent on the patient, cancer type, stage of the disease and treatment strategy 4,19 . Collectively, drug absorption, distribution and acquired resistance may result in poor response to chemotherapy and unfavorable patient outcome.…”

Use of Pathogen-Specific Antibody Biomarkers to Estimate Waterborne Infections in Population-Based Settings

“…One commonly used definition is as follows: diarrhea (three or more loose stools in a 24-h period), vomiting, nausea, stomach ache, fever, and/or interference with regular activities (missed time from work or school or missed regular activities as a result of illness) [8–10]. Other illnesses caused by waterborne pathogens include viral hepatitis (hepatitis A and E viruses [11]), skin and soft tissue infections and sepsis ( Vibrio spp., Staphylococcus aureus [12]), primary amoebic meningoencephalitis ( Naegleria fowleri [13]), and pneumonia ( Legionella pneumophila [14]).…”