Free-living amoebae: Biological by-passes in water treatment.
Free-living amoebae constitute reservoirs for many bacteria including not only well-known pathogens but also emerging pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases, and contribute to the protection, survival and dissemination of these bacteria in water systems, despite the application of disinfection or thermal treatments. In this article we review the available information on the presence of free-living amoebae and amoebae-resisting bacteria in drinking water systems, on the factors that contribute to their presence in the water and/or the biofilms, on the possible control measures and their effectiveness, and we identify some gaps in current knowledge needing further research.
Loret
Jean-François
JF
Suez Environnement, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France. jean-francois.loret@suez-env.com
Greub
Gilbert
G
D000656:Amoeba / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000382:microbiology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D044822:Biodiversity; D018441:Biofilms; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014873:Water Pollutants; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply
D014873:Water Pollutants