Freshwater plankton as a habitat for hygienically relevant microorganisms
Final Report Abstract
Associations of hygienically relevant bacteria with freshwater plankton and the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii were clearly demonstrated. Thus, both plankton and macrophytes have to be considered as a potential reservoir and/or vector (proliferation, migration). Such associations can locally (i.e., on the host organisms) increase the concentration of bacteria and increase the possibility for humans, e.g, exposed to infectious doses by ingestion of plankton-containing water. By cultural detection methods, the real abundance of pathogens might be underestimated (VBNC); resuscitation of VBNC organisms has been demonstrated in other studies and has to be taken into account as a possible risk. Plankton provides large surfaces: In case of eutrophic situations, plankton abundance rises dramatically, offering huge surfaces ready to be colonized and plankton-bacteria associations might be increased to large proportions. The results of this study indicate that it is of concern to consider plankton organisms acting as habitat and vector for human pathogens. This is of relevance considering human health in drinking water production and use of recreational waters.
Publications
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(2011) Association of hygienically relevant bacteria with freshwater plankton. Poster EMP059. VAAM-Jahrestagung, Karlsruhe, 03.04.- 06.04.2011
Tewes, M., Frösler, J., Petry-Hansen, H., Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J.
