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Opportunistic pathogens in roof-captured rainwater samples, determined using quantitative PCR
W Ahmed1, H Brandes2, P Gyawali3
1CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Brisbane 4102, Australia.
Water Research
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Rainwater tanks in Southeast Queensland often contain fecal bacteria like E. coli and Enterococcus. Opportunistic pathogens were also detected, highlighting the need for risk assessment for safe water use.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality analysis
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Rainwater harvesting is a common water source in Southeast Queensland, Australia.
- Assessing the microbial safety of tank water is crucial for public health.
- Opportunistic bacterial pathogens can pose risks in non-potable and potable water supplies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and quantify opportunistic bacterial pathogens in rainwater tank water.
- To assess the prevalence of fecal indicator bacteria in the same water samples.
- To investigate correlations between fecal indicators and opportunistic pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used for pathogen detection.
- Culture-based methods identified fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp.).
- Water samples were collected from 72 rainwater tanks.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of fecal indicator bacteria: 74% E. coli, 94% Enterococcus spp.
- Opportunistic pathogens detected: Aeromonas hydrophila (29%), Staphylococcus aureus (15%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%), Legionella pneumophila (6%).
- No significant correlation found between fecal indicator bacteria levels and the presence of opportunistic pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Tank water in Southeast Queensland frequently contains fecal contamination and opportunistic pathogens.
- Current fecal indicator bacteria levels do not reliably predict the presence of these specific opportunistic pathogens.
- Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is recommended to evaluate health risks associated with tank water use.
