Free-living amoebae isolated from a hospital water system in South Africa: a potential source of nosocomial and occupational infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Muchesa ◽  
M. Leifels ◽  
L. Jurzik ◽  
T. G. Barnard ◽  
C. Bartie
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water System ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Renal Unit ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Service Unit ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Occupational Infection ◽  
Sterilization Service

This study investigated the occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in a public hospital in South Africa. A total of 97 water and biofilm samples from the municipal water inlet of the hospital, theatres, theatre sterilization service unit, central sterilization service unit, endoscopy/gastroscopy unit, intensive care unit and the renal unit were collected and examined for the presence of FLA using an amoebal co-culture and molecular techniques. Of the 97 samples, 77 (79.4%), 40 (52%) water and 37 (48.1%) biofilm, contained FLA. The genera Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba (formerly Hartmanella) and Naegleria were detected by morphology, 18S rRNA PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequence analyses. Further sequence analysis of the five Acanthamoeba-positive isolates revealed a close resemblance with the potentially pathogenic T20 genotype. These results show a potential health risk to immuno-compromised patients and health care workers as some of the species detected are pathogenic and may harbor potential intracellular bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections. To date, this is the first report on the detection of potentially pathogenic amoebae from South African hospital water systems.

Prevalence of human adenoviruses in raw and treated water

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. van Heerden ◽  
M.M. Ehlers ◽  
W.B. van Zyl ◽  
W.O.K. Grabow
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Water Supplies ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Human Adenoviruses ◽  
One Year ◽  
Treated Drinking Water

Human adenoviruses (HAds), of which there are 51 antigenic types, are associated aetiologically with gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary tract and eye infections. The clinical importance of HAds and the potential health risks constituted by HAds in water environments are widely recognised. This study was conducted to assess the use of an optimised integrated cell culture molecular-based technique to determine the prevalence of HAds in raw and treated drinking-water supplies in South Africa. Selected supplies were monitored weekly for the presence of adenoviruses over a one-year period (July 2001 to June 2002). Drinking-water supplies were derived from acceptable quality surface water sources using treatment processes that conformed to international standards for the production of safe drinking water. Adenoviruses were detected by amplification in cell cultures, followed by amplifying the extracted nucleic acids using molecular techniques (nested PCR). HAds were detected in 29.8% (59/198) of the treated drinking water, 16% (8/50) of dam water and 44% (22/50) of river-water samples tested. The results of this study confirmed the presence of HAds in some raw and treated drinking water supplies in South Africa.

Poliovirus vaccine strains in sewage and river water in South Africa

2006 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 717-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
D N Pavlov
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
River Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Oral Poliovirus Vaccine ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Liver Carcinoma ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
River Water Samples ◽  
Type 3

Since the initiation of the global poliomyelitis eradication program in 1988, the number of wild-type polio cases decreased from 350 000 to fewer than 500, and the number of polio endemic countries declined from more than 125 to 10. The last case of polio in South Africa caused by a wild-type poliovirus (PV) occurred in 1989. The live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) has been effectively used in the reduction and control of poliomyelitis. However, as OPV strains are excreted in stools after vaccination, this vaccine could become a source of dissemination of PVs in the environment and the potential cause of poliomyelitis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of OPV strains in selected sewage and river water samples. During the period between 2001 and 2003, 138 samples of river water and 213 samples of settled sewage were collected from selected areas of South Africa. A total of 860 plaques were analysed, which consisted of 703 plaques from the sewage and 157 plaques from the river water samples. Using a reverse transcriptase (RT)-multiplex PCR, 49 PVs were successfully distinguished from 176 non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs). The 176 NPEVs consisted of 50 coxsackie B2 viruses (CBV2), followed by 39 echoviruses 11 (ECV11), 25 CBV5, 21 CBV3, 15 CBV4, 14 coxsackie A6 viruses (CAV6), 7 CBV6, 2 CAV5, 2 CBV1, and 1 ECV19, which was in agreement with the prevalence of these EVs in other parts of the world. The Sabin-specific RT-triplex PCR revealed the presence of 29 Sabin PV type 1, 8 Sabin PV type 2, and 12 Sabin PV type 3 isolates. Buffalo green monkey kidney and primary liver carcinoma cell cultures allowed the amplification of a broad spectrum of EVs, whereas human epidermoid carcinoma cells were more selective for PVs. This study addressed some of the issues regarding the prevalence of OPV strains in the environment. The identification of 49 viable OPV isolates confirmed the presence and circulation of PV vaccine strains in sewage and river water. The extent of the potential health risk constituted by these OPV isolates remains to be investigated.Key words: poliovirus vaccine strains, enteroviruses, circulation, sewage, river water, molecular techniques.

REDESCRIPTION OF HYPOASPISELLA SPICULIFER (BERLESE, 1918) COMB. N. (ACARI: MESOSTIGMATA: LAELAPIDAE) FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Acarina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Omid Joharchi ◽  
Elizabeth Hugo-Coetzee ◽  
Sergey G. Ermilov ◽  
Alexander A. Khaustov
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Soil Invertebrates ◽  
Current Concept ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Adult Females

Hypoaspisella spiculifer comb. n. is redescribed on the basis of adult females, collected from soil in South Africa. Hypoaspisella spiculifer fits well with the current concept of the genus Hypoaspisella Bernhard. The chelicerae of this species are similar to those of free-living mites, suggesting that it may be a predator of small soil invertebrates.

scholarly journals A mixed reception: perceptions of pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health care workers in Cape Town, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronel Sewpaul ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Natisha Dukhi ◽  
Derrick Sekgala ◽  
Priscilla Reddy
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Pregnant Adolescents ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Antenatal Clinics ◽  
Antenatal Services

Abstract Background Maternal mortality among adolescent mothers in South Africa is higher than many middle-income countries. This is largely attributable to conditions that can be prevented or managed by high quality antenatal care. The way in which pregnant adolescents are treated at antenatal clinics influences their timely utilization of antenatal services. This qualitative study reports on the experiences of pregnant adolescents with health care workers when accessing antenatal care. Methods Pregnant girls aged 13–19 (n = 19) who attended public health care facilities that provide Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) services in Cape Town, South Africa were recruited. Four face to face in-depth interviews and four mini focus group discussions were undertaken, facilitated by a topic guide. Thematic analyses were used to analyse the data. Results Experiences that reinforce antenatal attendance, such as respectful and supportive treatment, were outweighed by negative experiences, such as victimization; discrimination against being pregnant at a young age; experiencing disregard and exclusion; inadequate provision of information about pregnancy, health and childbirth; clinic attendance discouragement; and mental health turmoil. Conclusions There is evidence of a discordant relationship between the health care workers and the pregnant adolescents. Adolescents feel mistreated and discriminated against by the health care workers, which in turn discourages their attendance at antenatal clinics. Maternal health care workers need to receive support and regular training on the provision of youth friendly antenatal care and be regularly evaluated, to promote the provision of fair and high quality antenatal services for adolescent girls.

scholarly journals Multidrug-Resistant Listeria Species Shows Abundance in Environmental Waters of a Key District Municipality in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 481
Author(s):  
Liyabona Mpondo ◽  
Kingsley Ehi Ebomah ◽  
Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Environmental Waters ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
Listeria Species ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Identification And Characterization

The prevalence of bacteria with multidrug-resistance (MDR) is a significant threat to public health globally. Listeria spp. are naturally ubiquitous, with L. monocytogenes particularly being ranked as important foodborne disease-causing microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of multidrug-resistant Listeria spp. (MDRL) isolated from different environmental samples (river and irrigation water) in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM), Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. Molecular identification and characterization were carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and isolates that exhibited phenotypic resistance were further screened for relevant antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs). Findings revealed a total of 124 presumptive Listeria isolates; 69 were molecularly confirmed Listeria species. Out of the confirmed species, 41 isolates (59%) were classified as L. monocytogenes while 9 (13%) were classified as L. welshimeri. All Listeria spp. exhibited phenotypic resistance against ampicillin, penicillin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and further screening revealed ARGs in the following proportions: sulI (71%), blaTEM (66%), tetA (63%), and blaCIT (33%). Results confirmed the occurrence of ARGs among Listeria inhabiting surface waters of ECP. The present study indicates that the river water samples collected from SBDM are highly contaminated with MDRL, hence, constituting a potential health risk.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Alternative Care in South Africa: Children’s Responses to the Pandemic. A Case Study from a Child and Youth Care Centre in Mogale City

2020 ◽  
pp. 234930032097592
Author(s):  
Rika Swanzen ◽  
Gert Jonker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Youth Care ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Child And Youth Care ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Caregiver Burnout

The experiences from a case study are evaluated against the aspects such as emergency response to vulnerable populations and other sources from the literature to serve as guidelines for the management of an epidemic in a child and youth care centre (CYCC). To help understand the effects of the epidemic on the centre, this article describes experiences in terms of the meeting of needs. A discussion of the following are part of the article: • A reflection will be provided on the observed stages the children and child and youth care workers (CYCWs) went through during 177 days of a national lockdown; • Indications of caregiver burnout; • Experiences around the meeting of children’s needs through the lens of child and youth care (CYC) theory; and • Proposed areas needing attention in mitigating risks. Some lessons learnt from the daily routine established to manage the lockdown regulations, sometimes experienced as nonsensical, are shared. From these reflections, questions for research are provided from a practice-based evidence approach, mainly aimed at determining the readiness of a CYCC to manage a state of disaster, while needing to focus on meeting children’s needs.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Correlates of Snuff Use, and its Association With Tuberculosis, Among Women Living With HIV in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1087-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L Elf ◽  
Ebrahim Variava ◽  
Sandy Chon ◽  
Limakatso Lebina ◽  
Katlego Motlhaoleng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Smokeless Tobacco ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Adjusted Analysis ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Urine Cotinine ◽  
Smokeless Tobacco Use ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Introduction A higher proportion of people living with HIV (PLWH) smoke compared to the general population, but little information exists about the prevalence and correlates of smokeless tobacco use among PLWH. In South Africa, dry powdered tobacco is inhaled nasally as snuff. Methods A cross-sectional survey among PLWH attending three HIV clinics was conducted. Snuff use was assessed via self-report and urine cotinine. Results Given the low (3%) prevalence of snuff use among men, analysis was restricted to n = 606 nonsmoking women living with HIV. Half (n = 298, 49%) were snuff users, the majority of whom (n = 244, 84%) had a positive urine cotinine test. In adjusted analysis, snuff use was negatively associated with higher education (relative risk [RR] 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 0.77) and mobile phone ownership (RR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.98), and positively associated with ever having tuberculosis (TB) (RR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.45). In adjusted analysis, with current TB as the outcome, snuff use was marginally statistically significantly associated with a twofold increase in odds of a current TB diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.99; 95% CI: 0.98, 4.15). Discussion A high proportion of nonsmoking South African women living with HIV use snuff, which was a risk factor for TB. Additional research is needed to understand the relationship between snuff, TB, and other potential health risks. Implications PLWH have a higher prevalence of smoking than their seronegative peers, but there is a paucity of research on smokeless tobacco use in this population, especially in low-resource settings. TB is the leading cause of death among PLWH, and with improvements to HIV treatment and care, PLWH are at greater risk of tobacco-related diseases. We report an extremely high prevalence of snuff use among women living with HIV in South Africa. Further, in this population snuff use is positively associated with ever having a TB diagnosis, as well as currently having TB.

scholarly journals Relative Contribution of Seed Tuber- and Soilborne Inoculum to Potato Disease Development and Changes in the Population Genetic Structure of Rhizoctonia solani AG 3-PT under Field Conditions in South Africa

Plant Disease ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Muzhinji ◽  
James W. Woodhall ◽  
Mariette Truter ◽  
Jacquie E. van der Waals
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rhizoctonia Solani ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Seed Tuber ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Stem Canker ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Tuber Initiation ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Potato Disease

Understanding the contribution of seed tuber- and soilborne inocula of Rhizoctonia solani AG 3-PT in causing potato disease epidemics is an important step in implementing effective management strategies for the pathogen. A 2-year study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of each source of inoculum using an integrative experimental approach combining field trials and molecular techniques. Two distinct sets of genetically marked isolates were used as seed tuberborne and soilborne inocula in a mark-release-recapture experiment. Disease assessments were done during tuber initiation and at tuber harvest. Both inoculum sources were found to be equally important in causing black scurf disease, whereas soilborne inocula appeared to be more important for root and stolon infection, and seedborne inocula contributed more to stem canker. However, seed tuber-transmitted genotypes accounted for 60% of the total recovered isolates when genotyped using three polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism markers. The changes in population structure of the experimental R. solani population over the course of the growing season and across two growing seasons were investigated using eight microsatellite markers. The populations at different sampling times were somewhat genetically differentiated, as indicated by Nei’s gene diversity (0.24 to 0.27) and the fixation index (FST). The proportion of isolates with genotypes that differed from the inoculants ranged from 13 to 16% in 2013 and 2014, respectively, suggesting the possibility of emergence of new genotypes in the field. Because both soilborne and tuberborne inocula are critical, it is important to ensure the use of pathogen-free seed tubers to eliminate seed tuberborne inoculum and the introduction of new genotypes of R. solani for sustainable potato production in South Africa.

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