Detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental waters including drinking water reservoirs of Azerbaijan. Issue 1 (13th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rashid, Ahmadov; Haley, Bradd J.; Rajabov, Mukhtar; Ahmadova, Sevinj; Gurbanov, Shair; Colwell, Rita R.; Huq, Anwar
• Is Part Of: Environmental microbiology reports. Volume 5:Issue 1(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2012-08-13
• Subjects: Microbial ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 579.17
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00369.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-2229

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <p>Cholera, a globally prevalent gastrointestinal disease, remains a persistent problem in many countries including the former Soviet republics of the Caucasus region where sporadic outbreaks occurred recently. Historically, this region has experienced cholera during every pandemic since 1816; however, no known comprehensive evaluation of the presence of <italic>Vibrio cholerae</italic> in surface waters using molecular methods has been done. Here we present the first report of the presence of <italic>V. cholerae</italic> in surface waters of Azerbaijan and its seasonality, using a combination of bacteriological and molecular methods. Findings from the present study indicate a peak in the presence of <italic>V. cholerae</italic> in warmer summer months relative to colder winter months. In the Caspian Sea, water temperature when optimal for growth of <italic>V. cholerae</italic> was significantly associated with detection of <italic>V. cholerae</italic>. <italic>Vibrio cholerae</italic> was simultaneously detected at freshwater sites including two water reservoirs. Most importantly, detection of <italic>V. cholerae</italic> in these water reservoirs, the source of municipal drinking water, poses a potential health risk to the population due to the limited and insufficient treatment of water in Azerbaijan. Routine monitoring of environmental waters used for recreational purposes, and especially drinking water reservoirs, is highly recommended as a measure for public health safety.</p> </abstract>