Chapter 22 - Metabolomic signatures of Naegleria fowleri colonization in drinking water distribution systems in rural Western Australia

Abstract

Naegleria fowleri are found in natural and engineered water systems and are the causative agent of the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Surveillance is essential to minimize N. fowleri infections. Culture-based N. fowleri detection methods are time consuming and DNA methods are unable to determine viability. Consequently, an alternative, rapid detection approach capable of determining presence and viability is needed to maximize public health. Our previous research distinguished laboratory cultured N. fowleri from other Naegleria species. This study applies the untargeted metabolomics method to field samples from two operational DWDSs. A list of diagnostic features was found to preliminarily discriminate the N. fowleri-positive from N. fowleri-negative and N. lovaniensis-positive field samples with satisfying predictive accuracy. The results outlined in this manuscript further validate and improve the metabolite-based N. fowleri detection approach, potentially aiding water utilities in the management of N. fowleri in drinking water.