Olga Valciņa, Daina Pūle, Juris Ķibilds, Linda Labecka, Margarita Terentjeva, Angelika Krūmiņa, Aivars Bērziņš
is an opportunistic pathogen with a biphasic life cycle that occasionally infects humans. The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of virulence genes and genetic diversity among isolated from water supply systems of residential buildings in Latvia. In total, 492 water samples from 200 residential buildings were collected. Identification of spp. was performed according to ISO 11731, and 58 isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. At least one -positive sample was found in 112 out of 200 apartment buildings (56.0%). The study revealed extensive sequence-type diversity, where 58 isolates fell into 36 different sequence types. A total of 420 virulence genes were identified, of which 260 genes were found in all sequenced isolates. The virulence genes and were detected in all isolates, suggesting that adhesion, attachment, and entry into host cells are enabled for all isolates. The relative frequency of virulence genes among isolates was high. The high prevalence, extensive genetic diversity, and the wide range of virulence genes indicated that the virulence potential of environmental is high, and proper risk management is of key importance to public health.
