Survey of Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Thermotolerant Amebas in Federal Recreational Waters

Detterline, J. L.; Wilhelm, Walter E.

doi:10.2307/3226659

Cited by 7 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…three sampling periods over 4 months; Jamerson et al . 2009 ) or at multiple locations for a single sampling period (Detterline and Wilhelm 1991 ) and reported a low overall prevalence of N. fowleri . Molecular genetic methods may allow for a more robust quantification of the organism at various temperatures than cultivation-based approaches, although a combined approach of cultivation followed by molecular analyses provides more information on organism presence as well as viability (Kim et al .…”

Section: Abiotic Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While temperature plays a role in N. fowleri persistence, it cannot account for N. fowleri distribution patterns alone, as evidenced by its sporadic presence (Delattre and Oger 1981 ). Detterline and Wilhelm ( 1991 ) contend temperature acts as a mechanism to clear potential ecological competitors, allowing N. fowleri proliferation, but this is still to be determined. Teasing apart temperature complexities relating to the distribution and abundance of N. fowleri will require both increased environmental surveillance and laboratory studies.…”

Section: Abiotic Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These microscopic, thermophilic, free-living amoebae are found in freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers (Stevens et al . 1977 ; Griffin 1983 ; Kyle and Noblet 1985 ; Detterline and Wilhelm 1991 ) as well as in soils and sediments (Wellings et al . 1977 ; Moussa et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 2012 ). Naegleria fowleri has also been detected in states that have not reported PAM cases, including Illinois, Alabama and Connecticut (Huizinga and McLaughlin 1990 ; Detterline and Wilhelm 1991 ; Maclean et al . 2004 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 2004 ). Only a single study examined the spatial distribution of N. fowleri in US recreational waters, reporting the presence of thermotolerant amoebae at 34 of the 59 sites (57.6%) spanning 24 states, but N. fowleri was detected at only 6 sites (10.2%; Detterline and Wilhelm 1991 ). At these locations, estimated N. fowleri density was one amoeba per 500 mL with water temperatures ranging from 15.6°C to 23.9°C.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Environmental abiotic and biotic factors affecting the distribution and abundance ofNaegleria fowleri

Stahl

Olson

2020

FEMS Microbiology Ecology

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Naegleria fowleri is a free-living protozoa that resides in soil and freshwater. Human intranasal amoebae exposure through water or potentially dust particles can culminate in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which generally causes death. While many questions remain regarding pathogenesis, the microbial ecology of N. fowleri is even less understood. This review outlines current knowledge of the environmental abiotic and biotic factors that affect the distribution and abundance of N. fowleri. Although the impacts of some abiotic factors remain poorly investigated or inconclusive, N. fowleri appears to have a wide pH range, low salinity tolerance, and thermophilic preference. From what is known about biotic factors, the amoebae preferentially feed upon bacteria and are preyed upon by other free-living amoebae. Additional laboratory and environmental studies are needed to fill in knowledge gaps, which are crucial for surveillance and management of N. fowleri in freshwaters. As surface water temperatures increase with climate change, it is likely that this amoeba will pose a greater threat to human health, suggesting that identifying its abiotic and biotic preferences is critical to mitigating this risk.

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Section: Abiotic Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Abiotic Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%