Spatio-temporal analysis of infra-specific genetic variations among aPseudomonas aeruginosawater network hospital population: invasion and selection of clonal complexes

Abstract

Aims: To investigate infra‐specific spatio‐temporal dynamics of a hospital water network Pseudomonas aeruginosa population. To infer the origin of water network isolates and assess their potential health hazard. Methods and Results: 168 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from tap waters and swabs of tap nozzle aerators of a hospital unit, over 2 years, and from rectal swabs and nosocomial infections. Genetic diversity among this collection was assessed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis of SpeI restricted genomic DNA. Virulence gene sets, biofilm properties, and hypochlorite resistance were analysed. Exactly 68% of the water samples and 74% of the tap nozzle aerators harboured P. aeruginosa. The strains were divided into 22 clonal lineages, with one dominant clone shown to have been involved in a nosocomial infection. Conclusions: An important turnover among the P. aeruginosa hospital population was observed. Some clonal lineages were found to persist, spread in the unit, and diversify into clonal complexes. Rectal carriage appeared an important source of contamination of the water network. Significance and Impact of the Study: High P. aeruginosa infra‐specific population diversity suggested a broad ability in colonizing water networks but persistence analysis indicated a strong selection leading to the emergence of dominant clones.

Low occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agricultural soils with and without organic amendment

“…The widespread presence of P. aeruginosa in various water sources (Khan et al, 2007; Lavenir et al, 2007; Lee et al, 2008), its carriage by human and animals (Lavenir et al, 2008; Szmolka et al, 2012) and its presence in compost manure (Edrington et al, 2009) raised the question of the role of anthropogenic activities on P. aeruginosa dissemination. We looked for the presence of P. aeruginosa in various organic amendments derived from animal farms as spreading bovine manure, pig slurry or poultry dropping are common French farmer practices to enrich soil in organic matter.…”

“…Infections in healthy individuals can occur as keratitis (Song et al, 2000), otitis (Heslop and Ovesen, 2006), and others. P. aeruginosa can also be detected in human and animal fecal samples (Mushin and Ziv, 1973; Lavenir et al, 2008). It has been identified as an animal pathogen responsible for various infections (Daly et al, 1999; Ledbetter et al, 2007).…”

“…It is described as preferentially living in aquatic habitats and colonizing moist niches. Within hospital settings, it was isolated from sinks and tubs (Römling et al, 1994), tap water outlets (Reuter et al, 2002), or water pipes (Lavenir et al, 2008). In outdoor environments it was isolated from a wide range of water sources including rivers (Pirnay et al, 2005; Selezska et al, 2012), open ocean (Khan et al, 2007), and can be recovered in high numbers from recreative waters (Barben et al, 2005) or wastewater (Lavenir et al, 2007; Lee et al, 2008).…”

Methodological approaches for monitoring opportunistic pathogens in premise plumbing: A review

“…Sampling volumes applied for the detection of Legionella and P. aeruginosa , as two representative bacterial OPPPs, in drinking water systems have varied between 50 ml to 1L depending on the anticipated concentrations of target organisms (Ferroni et al, 1998; Halabi et al, 2001; Lavenir et al, 2008; van der Wielen and van der Kooij, 2013). Larger volumes (i.e., 5–10 L) were collected in case of low biomass level (e.g., distribution mains) in order to ensure sufficient recovery (U.K.…”

Detection and enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in soil and manure assessed by an ecfX qPCR assay

“…Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be detected in human and animal faecal samples (Lavenir et al . ) and has been identified as an animal pathogen responsible for ocular infections in dogs (Ledbetter et al . ) and as an occasional cause of bovine mastitis (Daly et al .…”