Percorrer por autor "Gunde-cimerman, Nina"
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- Beach sand and the potential for infectious disease transmission: observations and recommendationsPublication . Solo-Gabriele, Helena; Harwood, Valerie J.; Kay, David; Fujioka, Roger; Sadowsky, Michael; Whitman, Richard; Wither, Andrew; Caniça, Manuela; Carvalho da Fonseca, Rita; Duarte, Aida; Edge, Thomas; Gargaté, Maria João; Gunde-cimerman, Nina; Hagen, Ferry; Mclellan, Sandra; Silva, Alexandra; Novak Babič, Monika; Prada, Susana; Rodrigues, Raquel; Romão, Daniela; Sabino, Raquel; Samson, Robert; Segal, Esther; Staley, Christopher; Taylor, Huw D.; Veríssimo, Cristina; Viegas, Carla; Barroso, Helena; Brandão, JoãoRecent studies suggest that sand can serve as a vehicle for exposure of humans to pathogens at beach sites, resulting in increased health risks. Sampling for microorganisms in sand should be considered for inclusion in regulatory programmes aimed at protecting recreational beach users from infectious disease. In an effort to provide recommendations for sand sampling programmes in the original article, we outlined published guidelines for beach monitoring programmes, currently focused exclusively on measuring microbial levels in water. We also provided background on spatial distribution and temporal characteristics of microbes in sand, as these factors influence sampling programmes. First steps toward establishing a sand sampling programme include identifying appropriate beach sites and use of initial sanitary assessments to refine site selection. A tiered approach is recommended for monitoring. This approach would include the analysis of samples from many sites for faecal indicator organisms and other conventional analytes, while testing for specific pathogens and unconventional indicators is reserved for high-risk sites. Given the diversity of microbes found in sand, studies are urgently needed to identify the most significant aetiological agent of disease and to relate microbial measurements in sand.
- Fungal contaminants in drinking water – a topic of future concern?Publication . Novak-Babič, Monika; Brandão, João; Gunde-cimerman, NinaFresh water is, depending on geological features of the area, derived to the public either from groundwater or surface water. Production of clean drinking water in a modern society with increasing population and urbanisation often requires the use of different physico-chemical methods. Finally, water quality is controlled based on the parameters listed in Drinking Water Directive (98/83/CE). Fungi are not listed in the current directive and therefore not specifically monitored. However, their presence in fresh water is well documented-in the last 30 years scientists from 19 European countries isolated more than 400 different fungal species from surface, ground-and tap water intended for human consumption. While water cleaning procedures remove 8-90% of fungal propagules, the remaining ones form together with bacteria biofilms inside tap water systems, later affecting the taste and odor of water. Several water-related fungal species were recognised as opportunistic or emerging pathogens; among these fungi from the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Exophiala, Fusarium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys require special attention. Presence of opportunistic fungi in drinking water can pose a health risk to consumers due to daily contact with water via several exposure points, such as drinking, showering and use of household appliances operating with water. Case reports listing fungi as causative agents of allergies, opportunistic infections and intoxications are growing each year-12 million people are at risk of invasive fungal mycoses, additional 12 million have allergic fungal sinusitis, 4.8 million patients suffer from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and 6 million have fungal eye infections. A billion of people around the world suffer from skin, nail, and hair infections. With increasing transitory and serious immune alterations among patients also a need for monitoring of fungi increases, not only in drinking water, but also as a parametric value for biofilm formation on materials in contact with drinking water.