Open AccessDetection ofLegionellaspp.by a nested-PCR assay in air samples of a wastewater treatment plant and downwind distances in Isfahan
Author(s) -
Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee,
Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Yaghob Hajizadeh,
Bibi Fatemeh Nabavi,
Akbar Hassanzadeh
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
advanced biomedical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2277-9175
DOI - 10.4103/2277-9175.151540
Subject(s) - legionella , wastewater , environmental science , aeration , nested polymerase chain reaction , sewage treatment , health risk , environmental engineering , veterinary medicine , polymerase chain reaction , waste management , biology , medicine , environmental health , bacteria , engineering , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Background: Wastewater contains a variety of pathogens and bio -aerosols generated during the wastewater treatment process, which could be a potential health risk for exposed individuals. This study was carried out to detect Legionella spp. in the bio -aerosols generated from different processes of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Isfahan, Iran, and the downwind distances. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 air samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of Legionella spp. by a nested- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A liquid impingement biosampler was used to capture bio -aerosols. The weather conditions were also recorded. Results: Legionella were detected in 6% of the samples, including air samples above the aeration tank (1/9), belt filter press (1/9), and 250 m downwind (1/9).Conclusion: The result of this study revealed the presence of Legionella spp. in air samples of a WWTP and downwind distance, which consequently represent a potential health risk to the exposed individuals