Naegleria fowleri in thermally polluted waters)
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Abstract:
Two complexes of lakes and canals supplying water for two electric power plants, their steam condensors and an adjoining river were investigated by means of culture methods for the presence of Naegleria fowleri in Poland in the period from 1974 to 1980. Sixty-four strains of N. fowleri were isolated, 13 isolates being virulent for mice when instilled intranasally. These strains were found in the steam condensor of the power station A and in waters polluted with warm water of this plant. Pathogenic N. fowleri strains occurred also in an adjoining river connected with the water system of the power plant. The results show the possible role of the steam condensor A as an incubator and regular source of pollution with pathogenic amoebae for its own system of cooling waters and even the adjoining river.
Insights
Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) were found in Polish power plant cooling waters and an adjacent river. Steam condensers acted as incubators, posing a risk of amoebic contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Public Health
- Waterborne Pathogens
Background:
- Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but fatal infection.
- Artificial water systems, such as those in power plants, can create favorable conditions for the growth of thermophilic organisms like N. fowleri.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and pathogenicity of Naegleria fowleri in the water systems of two Polish electric power plants.
- To determine if power plant cooling waters and associated environments serve as a reservoir for pathogenic N. fowleri.
Main Methods:
- Culture methods were employed to isolate and identify Naegleria fowleri from water samples.
- Virulence of isolated N. fowleri strains was assessed through intranasal instillation in mice.
Main Results:
- Sixty-four strains of Naegleria fowleri were isolated from the investigated water bodies.
- Thirteen of the isolated strains were found to be virulent in mice.
- Pathogenic N. fowleri strains were detected in the steam condenser of power station A and in waters receiving its warm effluent, as well as in the connected river.
Conclusions:
- Steam condenser A functions as a significant incubator and source of pathogenic Naegleria fowleri.
- The power plant's cooling water system and the adjoining river are at risk of contamination with pathogenic amoebae from this source.