Michael Frenkel1, Hanan Serhan1, Shlomo E Blum2, Marcelo Fleker2, Edward Sionov3, Sharon Amit4, Zeela Gazit4, Shiraz Gefen-Halevi4, Esther Segal1. 1. Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 562000, Israel. 2. Department of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, The Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel. 3. Institute for Post Harwest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel. 4. Microbiology Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 5262000, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches. METHODS: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi. RESULTS: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida-including the human commensals Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis-Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.
OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches. METHODS: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi. RESULTS: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida-including the human commensals Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis-Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.
Authors: J Brandão; J P Gangneux; S Arikan-Akdagli; A Barac; A C Bostanaru; S Brito; M Bull; N Çerikçioğlu; B Chapman; M A Efstratiou; Ç Ergin; M Frenkel; A Gitto; C I Gonçalves; H Guégan; N Gunde-Cimerman; M Güran; L Irinyi; E Jonikaitė; M Kataržytė; L Klingspor; M Mares; W G Meijer; W J G Melchers; J Meletiadis; W Meyer; V Nastasa; M Novak Babič; D Ogunc; B Ozhak; A Prigitano; S Ranque; R O Rusu; R Sabino; A Sampaio; S Silva; J H Stephens; M Tehupeiory-Kooreman; A M Tortorano; A Velegraki; C Veríssimo; G C Wunderlich; E Segal Journal: Sci Total Environ Date: 2021-03-26 Impact factor: 7.963
Authors: Elisabete Valério; Maria Leonor Santos; Pedro Teixeira; Ricardo Matias; João Mendonça; Warish Ahmed; João Brandão Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-28 Impact factor: 4.614