Identification of microbes coexisting with Legionella spp. in bathwaters

Abstract

AbstractIn Japan, bathwaters are a potential source of legionellosis; therefore, the bathwater in public facilities must be regularly tested forLegionellaspp. Currently,Legionellaspp. is detected using the culture method, which is time-consuming and has limited accuracy. Moreover, the reproductive environment ofLegionellaspp. in bathwater remains unclear. Here, we investigated the environment in whichLegionellaspp. reproduce by analyzing the bathwater microbiota and its relationship withLegionellaspp. We identified the microbiota of 112 bathwater samples collected from bathing facilities by sequencing 16S and 18S rRNA genes. Differences in the microbiota were observed between samples that tested positive and negative forLegionellaspp., according to 16S rRNA sequencing and culture methods.Methyloversatilis,Cupriavidus,Phenylobacterium,Vermamoeba, andAspidiscawere highly correlated withLegionellaspp. Our results support the development of strategies against legionellosis and elucidate the relationships betweenLegionellaspp. and the coexisting microbiota in various environments.