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Methodological approaches for monitoring opportunistic pathogens in premise plumbing: A review
Hong Wang1, Emilie Bédard2, Michèle Prévost2
1State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
Abstract:
Opportunistic premise (i.e., building) plumbing pathogens (OPPPs, e.g., Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acanthamoeba, and Naegleria fowleri) are a significant and growing source of disease. Because OPPPs establish and grow as part of the native drinking water microbiota, they do not correspond to fecal indicators, presenting a major challenge to standard drinking water monitoring practices. Further, different OPPPs present distinct requirements for sampling, preservation, and analysis, creating an impediment to their parallel detection. The aim of this critical review is to evaluate the state of the science of monitoring OPPPs and identify a path forward for their parallel detection and quantification in a manner commensurate with the need for reliable data that is informative to risk assessment and mitigation. Water and biofilm sampling procedures, as well as factors influencing sample representativeness and detection sensitivity, are critically evaluated with respect to the five representative bacterial and amoebal OPPPs noted above. Available culturing and molecular approaches are discussed in terms of their advantages, limitations, and applicability. Knowledge gaps and research needs towards standardized approaches are identified.
Insights
Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) pose a growing health risk. Current monitoring methods are inadequate, necessitating new strategies for parallel detection and quantification of these drinking water contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) are a significant and increasing cause of disease.
- OPPPs, including Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium complex, thrive in drinking water systems and are not detected by standard fecal indicators.
- Diverse OPPPs require specific sampling, preservation, and analysis methods, hindering simultaneous detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the current scientific understanding of OPPP monitoring in building water systems.
- To identify challenges and propose a way forward for the parallel detection and quantification of OPPPs.
- To ensure reliable data for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Critical evaluation of water and biofilm sampling techniques for representative OPPPs.
- Assessment of factors affecting sample representativeness and detection sensitivity.
- Review of existing culturing and molecular detection methods, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Main Results:
- Standard drinking water monitoring practices are insufficient for detecting OPPPs due to their association with native microbiota.
- Existing methods for sampling, preservation, and analysis vary significantly between different OPPPs, impeding parallel detection.
- Knowledge gaps exist in standardized approaches for OPPP monitoring.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for standardized methods for the parallel detection and quantification of OPPPs.
- Further research is required to address knowledge gaps and develop reliable monitoring strategies.
- Improved OPPP monitoring is essential for effective risk assessment and mitigation in drinking water systems.