Detection of Legionella spp. by a nested-PCR assay in air samples of a wastewater treatment plant and downwind distances in Isfahan

• Main Authors: Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Yaghob Hajizadeh, BiBi Fatemeh Nabavi, Akbar Hassanzadeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Advanced Biomedical Research
• Subjects: Air; Bio -aerosol; Legionella spp.; nested- PCR; wastewater treatment plant
• Online Access: http://www.advbiores.net/article.asp?issn=2277-9175;year=2015;volume=4;issue=1;spage=48;epage=48;aulast=Mirzaee

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.