Grantee Research Project Results
Advancing Next Generation Genomic Tools for Detection of Naegleria fowleri in Potable Water
EPA Grant Number: SU840164Title: Advancing Next Generation Genomic Tools for Detection of Naegleria fowleri in Potable Water
Investigators: Sherchan, Samendra , Shahin, Shalina , Patel, Jeenal , Phan, Nati , TatahMentan, Mom
Institution: Tulane University
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Phase: I
Project Period: December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021 (Extended to November 30, 2022)
Project Amount: $24,998
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
The specific objectives are to (i) determine the occurrence and genotype diversity of Naegleria fowleri (Nf) in Louisiana public water systems and biofilms using droplet digital PCR and multi-locus genotyping; and ii) identify the source of food for Nf in these systems using Illumina sequencing.
Approach:
The experimental approach to be used (a description of the proposed project),
This proposal suggests a potentially feasible approach to detect Nf using droplet digital PCR and multi-locus genotyping. Field potable water and biofilm samples will be collected from St. Bernard Parish Water System, where Nf has been found in 2013 and 2015 in public water systems. Samples will be processed, and DNA will be extracted for detection of Nf using molecular assays. Illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing will be utilized to characterize microbial communities in these samples.
Expected Results:
The expected results: The integration of next-generation genomic tools will contribute to faster diagnosis of PAM infections and protect public health. Thus, this project relates to the three aspects of sustainability: people, prosperity, and the planet. Through the execution of the proposed innovative study, an interdisciplinary team of students will learn about environmental science, engineering, microbiology, water quality, water treatment and public health. This research will further provide valuable educational materials for outreach activities to local primary schools. The proposed study will intellectually transform our understanding of the occurrence and survival of Nf in public water distribution system. The data from this study will provide information to water utilities that can be used to develop guidance for preventing exposure to this emerging waterborne pathogen.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
brain eating amoeba, protozoan parasite, water quality, next-generation genomic tools, public health, detection methods, drinking water, water treatment, disinfection, pathogen detection and removal, Gulf CoastProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.