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Culture-Dependent and -Independent Wastewater Surveillance for Multiple Pathogenic Yeasts
Tyla Baker1, Phillip Armand Bester2, Olihile Moses Sebolai1
1Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa.
Abstract:
Wastewater surveillance is a promising tool to monitor potential outbreaks and determine the disease burden within a community. This system has been extensively used to monitor polio and COVID-19 infection levels, yet few attempts have been made to apply it to monitoring pathogenic yeast. This study aimed to investigate the application of wastewater surveillance for potentially pathogenic yeast in wastewater treatment plant influent. This was done by comparing culture-dependent data with culture-independent data and investigating the fluconazole concentration in wastewater. Additional studies on the growth of isolated strains were conducted. We found that a multiplex PCR system to detect multiple yeasts holds promise as a molecular detection tool for wastewater surveillance. Culture-dependent results indicated that Candida spp. specifically C. krusei and C. glabrata, were most prominent. Growth studies supported that these species grow well in this environment while the less frequently isolated yeasts grew poorly. The data from culture-dependent and independent techniques showed some correlation, with similar species being identified with both, further promoting the use of molecular tools for surveillance. This study highlights the presence of potentially pathogenic yeasts in wastewater, which may indicate the prevalence of these yeasts in the environment or community. This wastewater may also be a potential source of infection for persons encountering it due to poor wastewater management.
Insights
Wastewater surveillance can detect pathogenic yeasts like Candida. Molecular tools and culture methods show promise for monitoring yeast in wastewater, identifying potential community infection sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health surveillance
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Wastewater surveillance is established for viral pathogens (e.g., polio, COVID-19).
- Application of wastewater surveillance for pathogenic yeasts is underexplored.
- Pathogenic yeasts pose a public health risk, necessitating monitoring strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate wastewater surveillance for pathogenic yeasts in wastewater treatment plant influent.
- To compare culture-dependent and culture-independent detection methods.
- To assess fluconazole concentrations and yeast growth in wastewater.
Main Methods:
- Multiplex PCR for molecular detection of multiple yeasts.
- Culture-dependent methods to identify prominent yeast species.
- Analysis of yeast growth characteristics in wastewater environments.
Main Results:
- A multiplex PCR system demonstrated potential for yeast wastewater surveillance.
- Culture-dependent methods identified *Candida* spp. (*C. krusei*, *C. glabrata*) as most prevalent.
- Correlation observed between culture-dependent and -independent data, supporting molecular tool utility.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater surveillance is viable for monitoring potentially pathogenic yeasts.
- Identified yeasts may reflect environmental or community prevalence.
- Wastewater systems could be an infection source if poorly managed.
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