Lucia Bonadonna | National Institutes of Health (original) (raw)
Papers by Lucia Bonadonna
An investigation on the hygienic quality of the Tiber river was conducted with the aim both to en... more An investigation on the hygienic quality of the Tiber river was conducted with the aim both to enumerate Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in the water and to determine possible correlations between them and bacterial indicators, pathogens and physico-chemical parameters. A low hygienic water quality was evidenced, with high counts of microorganisms. Furthermore, variable concentrations of Giardia and Cryptosporidium were observed. No correlation was found between the protozoa concentrations and that of the other microorganisms, whilst a significant correlation with redox potential and Giardia cysts was calculated.
Microchemical Journal, 2007
ABSTRACT As a response to a recent emergency case of suspected deliberate contamination of bottle... more ABSTRACT As a response to a recent emergency case of suspected deliberate contamination of bottled drinking water addressed to sensitive personalities, samples were submitted to our laboratory for investigation; an analytical framework for wide screening and identification of unknown hazardous chemicals and microbiological agents in water has been developed and experienced for the purpose. The proposed approach combines several physico-chemical (inverse-phase liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric or mass spectrometric detection, suppressed ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection), microbiological (defined substrate technology) and biological assays (viability and macromolecular synthesis of cultured cells), thus allowing the detection of different classes of contaminants (inorganic and organic compounds, metals, algal toxins, bacterial indicators of faecal contamination, enteric pathogens, staphylococci, actinomycetes) and their effects.The application of the developed strategy to the suspected samples did not highlight the presence of specific and considerable risks for human health although a few organoleptic and microbiological parameters were compromised and water was not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, we were able to classify this episode as a water contamination threat instead of confirming an incident.The proposed screening-confirmatory analytical scheme can be a valuable tool for obtaining conclusive and relatively rapid results in investigations concerning accidental or intentional contamination of drinking water.
Una delle sfide maggiori in ambito sanitario \ue8 la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici, spes... more Una delle sfide maggiori in ambito sanitario \ue8 la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici, spesso trascurata. In molti paesi e regioni, la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici non rientra nelle responsabilit\ue0 dell\u2019azienda acquedottistica. Per gli edifici generalmente non vengono applicati i cosiddetti Piani di Sicurezza per l\u2019Acqua per la gestione dell\u2019acqua pubblica. Questo testo, traduzione italiana del volume Water Safety in Buildings, fa parte della serie dei documenti di supporto che forniscono indicazioni sull\u2019attuazione delle Linee guida per la qualit\ue0 dell\u2019acqua potabile dell\u2019Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanit\ue0. Pu\uf2 essere un utile supporto per il controllo e il miglioramento della qualit\ue0 e della sicurezza dell\u2019acqua negli edifici
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Careless use conditions of filter jugs were applied to simulate and evaluate the behavior of two ... more Careless use conditions of filter jugs were applied to simulate and evaluate the behavior of two ubiquitous aquatic bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes. According to a reference protocol, nine different jugs of popular brands sold in the Italian market were used for the test. Separately, a suspension of the two bacteria was spiked in water used for filling the jugs. The concentration of the test organisms and total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) was measured daily in the filtered water along a period corresponding to the cartridge lifetime. Results showed a different trend of bacterial behavior. E. aerogenes was detectable exclusively on the first day after jug filling, while P. aeruginosa confirmed its persistence over time in all the jugs and its ability to potentially colonize surfaces and cartridges. The TAMC was detected at a concentration range from 102 to 107 CFU/100 mL in all the tests, high values that were not far from those raised in bottl...
Journal of Applied Microbiology
Aims The purpose of the present investigation is to fill the current gap in information regarding... more Aims The purpose of the present investigation is to fill the current gap in information regarding the microbiological quality of toys containing aqueous media and the related risks for users. Methods Over 18 years, a total of 491 sealed toys containing aqueous media were analysed using conventional microbial culture methods. In addition, molecular methods (PCR/nested RT-PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing) were employed to test for enteric viruses (enteroviruses and adenoviruses) in a subset of toys; subsequently, the infectivity of the positive samples was tested on cell cultures. Results Of the examined toys, 23.8% were noncompliant with the limits of the European guideline. The most frequently exceeded limits were those for Aerobic bacteria (84.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.9%). Other opportunistic bacterial species that were frequently detected were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Comamonas acidovora...
Report of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater - July 2021 - SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-... more Report of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater - July 2021 - SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewaters in Italy). For results of the SARI project see: https://www.iss.it/cov19-acque-reflue
Technical protocol (including analytical methods) of the national SARI project (Surveillance of S... more Technical protocol (including analytical methods) of the national SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewaters in Italy). Protocol shared with the Italian network of the SARI project on 25.07.2021. For results of the SARI project see: https://www.iss.it/cov19-acque-reflue
Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009
SSRN Electronic Journal, 2022
A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid detection of the Omicron variant. • 737 sewag... more A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid detection of the Omicron variant. • 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (11 Nov-25 Dec 2021) were tested. • The first occurrence of Omicron was on 7 December 2021, in Veneto, North Italy. • Omicron detection in sewage increased rapidly, raising from 1.0% to 65.9% in 3 weeks. • In the same period, the variant spread over the country, spreading from one Region to 17.
Environmental Research, 2020
Pathogens, 2021
The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in red... more The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological quality of water from a newly built pavilion before it commenced operation. Overall, 91 water samples were tested for coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella at three different times: T0 (without any water treatment), T1 (after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and silver ions at initial concentration of 20 mg/L and after flushing of water for 20 min/day for seven successive days) and T2 (15 days later). Coliforms were detected in 47.3% of samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 4.4% at T2. E. coli was isolated in 4.4% of the samples only at T1, while enterococci appeared in 12.1% of the samples at T1 and in 2.2% at T2. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 50.5% of the samples at T0, 29.7% at T1 and 1.1% at T2. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 8 was isolated in 80.2% of ...
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2020
Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the... more Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the WHO''s recommendations for the 2020/2021 revision of the European Bathing Water Directive. We developed an area-specific QMRA model on four pathogens, using fecal indicator concentrations (E. coli, enterococci) for calculating pathogen loads. The predominance of illness was found to be attributable to Human Adenovirus, followed by Salmonella, Vibrio, and Norovirus. Overall, the cumulative illness risk showed a median of around 1 case/10000 exposures. The risk estimates were Ileana Federigi Writing-original draft Formal analysis Methodology Conceptualization a,⁎
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2019
Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we as... more Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we assessed the occurrence and quantity of enteric viruses in bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy, in parallel with microbial faecal indicators, somatic coliphages and Vibrio spp. Enteric viruses (aichivirus, norovirus and enterovirus) were detected in 55% of bathing water samples, including samples with bacterial indicator concentrations compliant with the European bathing water Directive. Aichivirus was the most frequent and abundant virus. Adenovirus was detected only in non-bathing waters. Somatic coliphages were identified in 50% bathing water samples, 80% of which showed simultaneous presence of viruses. Vibrio species were ubiquitous, with 9 species identified, including potential pathogens (V. cholerae, V. parahaemoylticus and V. vulnificus). This is the first study showing the occurrence and high concentration of Aichivirus in bathing waters and provides original information, useful in view of a future revision of the European Directive.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of s... more Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of swimming pool bathers. Viruses are a major cause of recreationally-associated waterborne diseases linked to pools, lakes, ponds, thermal pools/spas, rivers, and hot springs. They can make their way into waters through the accidental release of fecal matter, body fluids (saliva, mucus), or skin flakes by symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers. We present an updated overview of epidemiological data on viral outbreaks, a project motivated, among other things, by the availability of improved viral detection methodologies. Special attention is paid to outbreak investigations (source of the outbreak, pathways of transmission, chlorination/disinfection). Epidemiological studies on incidents of viral contamination of swimming pools under non-epidemic conditions are also reviewed.
Igiene e sanita pubblica
After over a decade the Italian regulation on hygiene and surveillance in swimming pools is under... more After over a decade the Italian regulation on hygiene and surveillance in swimming pools is under revision based on WHO guidelines and current laws from other European countries. The Ministry of Health is proposing an update of the Annex 1 that contains physical, chemical and microbiological indicators for monitoring swimming pool hygiene. The authors review current regulations and the new proposal for updating surveillance. A comparison of Annex 1 as approved in 2003 and the new version as proposed in 2016 allowed to enlighten innovative improvements. The suggested updates underwent a public consultation through an online questionnaire involving citizens and stakeholders, following the required procedure for accessing the final approval of a new regulation. The updates include new requirements and changes involving several controls and microbiological parameters. Safety of recreational waters is presently under revision in different European countries. This updating process is a va...
SpringerBriefs in Public Health, 2017
An investigation on the hygienic quality of the Tiber river was conducted with the aim both to en... more An investigation on the hygienic quality of the Tiber river was conducted with the aim both to enumerate Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in the water and to determine possible correlations between them and bacterial indicators, pathogens and physico-chemical parameters. A low hygienic water quality was evidenced, with high counts of microorganisms. Furthermore, variable concentrations of Giardia and Cryptosporidium were observed. No correlation was found between the protozoa concentrations and that of the other microorganisms, whilst a significant correlation with redox potential and Giardia cysts was calculated.
Microchemical Journal, 2007
ABSTRACT As a response to a recent emergency case of suspected deliberate contamination of bottle... more ABSTRACT As a response to a recent emergency case of suspected deliberate contamination of bottled drinking water addressed to sensitive personalities, samples were submitted to our laboratory for investigation; an analytical framework for wide screening and identification of unknown hazardous chemicals and microbiological agents in water has been developed and experienced for the purpose. The proposed approach combines several physico-chemical (inverse-phase liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric or mass spectrometric detection, suppressed ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection), microbiological (defined substrate technology) and biological assays (viability and macromolecular synthesis of cultured cells), thus allowing the detection of different classes of contaminants (inorganic and organic compounds, metals, algal toxins, bacterial indicators of faecal contamination, enteric pathogens, staphylococci, actinomycetes) and their effects.The application of the developed strategy to the suspected samples did not highlight the presence of specific and considerable risks for human health although a few organoleptic and microbiological parameters were compromised and water was not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, we were able to classify this episode as a water contamination threat instead of confirming an incident.The proposed screening-confirmatory analytical scheme can be a valuable tool for obtaining conclusive and relatively rapid results in investigations concerning accidental or intentional contamination of drinking water.
Una delle sfide maggiori in ambito sanitario \ue8 la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici, spes... more Una delle sfide maggiori in ambito sanitario \ue8 la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici, spesso trascurata. In molti paesi e regioni, la gestione dell\u2019acqua negli edifici non rientra nelle responsabilit\ue0 dell\u2019azienda acquedottistica. Per gli edifici generalmente non vengono applicati i cosiddetti Piani di Sicurezza per l\u2019Acqua per la gestione dell\u2019acqua pubblica. Questo testo, traduzione italiana del volume Water Safety in Buildings, fa parte della serie dei documenti di supporto che forniscono indicazioni sull\u2019attuazione delle Linee guida per la qualit\ue0 dell\u2019acqua potabile dell\u2019Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanit\ue0. Pu\uf2 essere un utile supporto per il controllo e il miglioramento della qualit\ue0 e della sicurezza dell\u2019acqua negli edifici
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Careless use conditions of filter jugs were applied to simulate and evaluate the behavior of two ... more Careless use conditions of filter jugs were applied to simulate and evaluate the behavior of two ubiquitous aquatic bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes. According to a reference protocol, nine different jugs of popular brands sold in the Italian market were used for the test. Separately, a suspension of the two bacteria was spiked in water used for filling the jugs. The concentration of the test organisms and total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) was measured daily in the filtered water along a period corresponding to the cartridge lifetime. Results showed a different trend of bacterial behavior. E. aerogenes was detectable exclusively on the first day after jug filling, while P. aeruginosa confirmed its persistence over time in all the jugs and its ability to potentially colonize surfaces and cartridges. The TAMC was detected at a concentration range from 102 to 107 CFU/100 mL in all the tests, high values that were not far from those raised in bottl...
Journal of Applied Microbiology
Aims The purpose of the present investigation is to fill the current gap in information regarding... more Aims The purpose of the present investigation is to fill the current gap in information regarding the microbiological quality of toys containing aqueous media and the related risks for users. Methods Over 18 years, a total of 491 sealed toys containing aqueous media were analysed using conventional microbial culture methods. In addition, molecular methods (PCR/nested RT-PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing) were employed to test for enteric viruses (enteroviruses and adenoviruses) in a subset of toys; subsequently, the infectivity of the positive samples was tested on cell cultures. Results Of the examined toys, 23.8% were noncompliant with the limits of the European guideline. The most frequently exceeded limits were those for Aerobic bacteria (84.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.9%). Other opportunistic bacterial species that were frequently detected were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Comamonas acidovora...
Report of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater - July 2021 - SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-... more Report of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater - July 2021 - SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewaters in Italy). For results of the SARI project see: https://www.iss.it/cov19-acque-reflue
Technical protocol (including analytical methods) of the national SARI project (Surveillance of S... more Technical protocol (including analytical methods) of the national SARI project (Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewaters in Italy). Protocol shared with the Italian network of the SARI project on 25.07.2021. For results of the SARI project see: https://www.iss.it/cov19-acque-reflue
Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009
SSRN Electronic Journal, 2022
A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid detection of the Omicron variant. • 737 sewag... more A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid detection of the Omicron variant. • 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (11 Nov-25 Dec 2021) were tested. • The first occurrence of Omicron was on 7 December 2021, in Veneto, North Italy. • Omicron detection in sewage increased rapidly, raising from 1.0% to 65.9% in 3 weeks. • In the same period, the variant spread over the country, spreading from one Region to 17.
Environmental Research, 2020
Pathogens, 2021
The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in red... more The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological quality of water from a newly built pavilion before it commenced operation. Overall, 91 water samples were tested for coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella at three different times: T0 (without any water treatment), T1 (after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and silver ions at initial concentration of 20 mg/L and after flushing of water for 20 min/day for seven successive days) and T2 (15 days later). Coliforms were detected in 47.3% of samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 4.4% at T2. E. coli was isolated in 4.4% of the samples only at T1, while enterococci appeared in 12.1% of the samples at T1 and in 2.2% at T2. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 50.5% of the samples at T0, 29.7% at T1 and 1.1% at T2. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 8 was isolated in 80.2% of ...
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2020
Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the... more Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the WHO''s recommendations for the 2020/2021 revision of the European Bathing Water Directive. We developed an area-specific QMRA model on four pathogens, using fecal indicator concentrations (E. coli, enterococci) for calculating pathogen loads. The predominance of illness was found to be attributable to Human Adenovirus, followed by Salmonella, Vibrio, and Norovirus. Overall, the cumulative illness risk showed a median of around 1 case/10000 exposures. The risk estimates were Ileana Federigi Writing-original draft Formal analysis Methodology Conceptualization a,⁎
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2019
Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we as... more Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we assessed the occurrence and quantity of enteric viruses in bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy, in parallel with microbial faecal indicators, somatic coliphages and Vibrio spp. Enteric viruses (aichivirus, norovirus and enterovirus) were detected in 55% of bathing water samples, including samples with bacterial indicator concentrations compliant with the European bathing water Directive. Aichivirus was the most frequent and abundant virus. Adenovirus was detected only in non-bathing waters. Somatic coliphages were identified in 50% bathing water samples, 80% of which showed simultaneous presence of viruses. Vibrio species were ubiquitous, with 9 species identified, including potential pathogens (V. cholerae, V. parahaemoylticus and V. vulnificus). This is the first study showing the occurrence and high concentration of Aichivirus in bathing waters and provides original information, useful in view of a future revision of the European Directive.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019
Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of s... more Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of swimming pool bathers. Viruses are a major cause of recreationally-associated waterborne diseases linked to pools, lakes, ponds, thermal pools/spas, rivers, and hot springs. They can make their way into waters through the accidental release of fecal matter, body fluids (saliva, mucus), or skin flakes by symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers. We present an updated overview of epidemiological data on viral outbreaks, a project motivated, among other things, by the availability of improved viral detection methodologies. Special attention is paid to outbreak investigations (source of the outbreak, pathways of transmission, chlorination/disinfection). Epidemiological studies on incidents of viral contamination of swimming pools under non-epidemic conditions are also reviewed.
Igiene e sanita pubblica
After over a decade the Italian regulation on hygiene and surveillance in swimming pools is under... more After over a decade the Italian regulation on hygiene and surveillance in swimming pools is under revision based on WHO guidelines and current laws from other European countries. The Ministry of Health is proposing an update of the Annex 1 that contains physical, chemical and microbiological indicators for monitoring swimming pool hygiene. The authors review current regulations and the new proposal for updating surveillance. A comparison of Annex 1 as approved in 2003 and the new version as proposed in 2016 allowed to enlighten innovative improvements. The suggested updates underwent a public consultation through an online questionnaire involving citizens and stakeholders, following the required procedure for accessing the final approval of a new regulation. The updates include new requirements and changes involving several controls and microbiological parameters. Safety of recreational waters is presently under revision in different European countries. This updating process is a va...
SpringerBriefs in Public Health, 2017