An attempt to identify the likely sources of Escherichia coli harboring toxin genes in rainwater tanks

Ahmed, W., Sidhu, J. P. S. and Toze, S. (2012) An attempt to identify the likely sources of Escherichia coli harboring toxin genes in rainwater tanks. Environmental Science and Technology, 46 9: 5193-5197.


Author Ahmed, W.
Sidhu, J. P. S.
Toze, S.
Title An attempt to identify the likely sources of Escherichia coli harboring toxin genes in rainwater tanks
Formatted title An attempt to identify the likely sources of Escherichia coli harboring toxin genes in rainwater tanks
Journal name Environmental Science and Technology  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012-05
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1021/es300292y
Volume number 46
Issue number 9
ISSN 0013-936X; 1520-5851
Start page 5193
End page 5197
Total pages 5
Place of publication Washington DC, United States
Publisher American Chemical Society
Collection year 2012
Language eng
Formatted abstract In this study, 200 Escherichia coli isolates from 22 rainwater tank samples in Southeast Queensland, Australia were tested for the presence of 10 toxin genes (i.e., stx1, stx2, hlyA, ehxA, LT1, ST1, cdtB, east1, cnf1, and cvaC) associated with intestinal and extraintestinal pathotypes. Among the 22 rainwater tanks tested, 5 (28%), 7 (32%), 7 (32%), and 1 (5%) tanks contained E. coli harboring ST1, east1, cdtB, and cvaC genes, respectively. Of the 200 E. coli isolates from the 22 tanks, 43 (22%) strains from 13 (59%) tanks were harboring toxin gene. An attempt was made to establish a link between bird and possum fecal contamination and the presence of these potential clinically significant E. coli strains harboring toxin genes in rainwater tanks. Among the 214 E. coli isolates tested from birds, 30 (14%), 11 (5%) and 18 (8%) strains contained east1, cdtB, and cvaC toxin genes, respectively. Similarly, among the 214 possum E. coli isolates, 74 (35%) contained only the east1 toxin gene. All E. coli strains from rainwater tanks, bird and possum fecal samples harboring toxin genes were biochemically fingerprinted. Biochemical phenotypes (BPTs) of 14 (33%) E. coli strains from 7 rainwater tanks and 9 (21%) E. coli strains from 6 rainwater tanks were identical to a number of BPTs of E. coli strains isolated from bird and possum feces suggesting that these animals may be the sources of these E. coli in rainwater tanks. as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that rainwater should be treated prior to drinking. In addition, proper maintenance of roof and gutter hygiene and elimination of overhanging tree branches and other structures where possible to prevent the movement of possums are highly recommended.
Keyword Bacterial-populations
Southeast Queensland
Virulence genes
Surface waters
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
School of Population Health Publications
 
Versions
Version Filter Type
Citation counts: TR Web of Science Citation Count  Cited 0 times in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Article
Scopus Citation Count Cited 1 times in Scopus Article | Citations
Google Scholar Search Google Scholar
Access Statistics: 16 Abstract Views  -  Detailed Statistics
Created: Mon, 28 May 2012, 23:27:32 EST by System User on behalf of School of Population Health