An analysis of human pathogens found in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks.
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic for humans in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail (JMT). Methods: Random samples of horse/mule manure were collected along sections of the JMT in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks (NP), as well as in portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and selected JMT/PCT access trails. Convenience samples of wild animal scat found within I mile of trails were also collected. The fresh specimens were individually preserved both in 0.9% saline and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-containing tubes and stored at 4 degrees C until time of analysis. Bacteriological analysis was performed using standard microbiology laboratory procedures. PVA samples were stained with trichrome and were then examined by a parasitologist. Results: Collection: A total of 186 trail miles were sampled, including 113 on the JMT (Yosemite 37, Kings 53, and Sequoia 23). The PCT samplings included 24 miles, and NP and wilderness area access trails added an additional 49 miles. A total of 102 samples were collected, which included 81 samples from pack animals and 21 identified as having come from wild animals. Pack Animal Bacteria: All plated specimens grew large numbers of commensal gut flora. Potential pathogenic bacteria were found in only 12 samples and included Hafnia alvei (4), Serratia odorifera (1), Citrobacter freundii (1), Escherichia vulneris (1), Clostridium clostridioforme (1), Yersinia enterocolitica (1), Sherwinella putraformus (1), and Enterobacter spp (4). No Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, or Aeromonas were found. Microscopic examination for protozoal organisms revealed occasional commensal ciliates and I Giardia. Wild Animal Pathogens: One specimen grew Y enterocolitica, and another grew Enterobacter amnigenus. Conclusions: We found a low prevalence of human pathogens in pack animal manure on the JMT.
Publication Date: 2002-07-03 PubMed ID: 12092962DOI: 10.1580/1080-6032(2002)013[0113:aaohpf]2.0.co;2Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study examines the presence of potentially harmful bacteria for humans in horse and mule manure along the John Muir Trail (JMT). The results show a low occurrence of these pathogens in pack animal manure.
Research Methodology
- Random samples of horse and mule manure were collected from different sections of the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and selected access trails. Wildlife excrement located within a mile of these trails was also collected.
- The samples were preserved in saline and polyvinyl alcohol and stored at 4 degrees Celsius until they were ready for analysis.
- The samples were then analysed using standard microbiology laboratory procedures.
- The samples contained in polyvinyl alcohol were stained with a substance called trichrome and reviewed by a parasitologist.
Research Findings
- A total of 102 samples were collected. This included 81 samples from pack animals and 21 identified as having come from wild animals.
- The study found that all specimens grew large numbers of harmless bacteria typically found in the gut, known as commensal gut flora.
- Pathogenic bacteria, i.e., bacteria that could cause disease in humans, were found in only 12 samples. Examples of such bacteria are Hafnia alvei, Serratia odorifera, Citrobacter freundii, and others.
- However, common and potentially dangerous pathogens like Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, or Aeromonas were not found.
- On observing for protozoal organisms, usually harmless ciliates and Giardia were found.
- Wild animal samples exhibited a single specimen of Y enterocolitica and Enterobacter amnigenus respectively.
Study Conclusion
- The study concludes by stating that there is a low prevalence of human pathogens in pack animal manure on the John Muir Trail.
Cite This Article
APA
Derlet RW, Carlson JR.
(2002).
An analysis of human pathogens found in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks.
Wilderness Environ Med, 13(2), 113-118.
https://doi.org/10.1580/1080-6032(2002)013[0113:aaohpf]2.0.co;2 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Emergency Department, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA. rwderlet@ucdavis.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bacteria / isolation & purification
- Bacteria / pathogenicity
- Ciliophora / isolation & purification
- Ciliophora / pathogenicity
- Environmental Monitoring
- Equidae
- Horses
- Humans
- Manure / microbiology
- Prevalence
- Recreation
- Risk Assessment
- Wyoming
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Pintar KD, Christidis T, Thomas MK, Anderson M, Nesbitt A, Keithlin J, Marshall B, Pollari F. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Campylobacter spp. Prevalence and Concentration in Household Pets and Petting Zoo Animals for Use in Exposure Assessments. PLoS One 2015;10(12):e0144976.
- Jedial JT, Shittu A, Tambuwal FM, Abubakar MB, Garba MK, Kwaga JP, Fasina FO. Predictors and risk factors for the intestinal shedding of Escherichia coli O157 among working donkeys (Equus asinus) in Nigeria. Vet Rec Open 2015;2(1):e000070.
- Swearingen MC, Sabag-Daigle A, Ahmer BM. Are there acyl-homoserine lactones within mammalian intestines?. J Bacteriol 2013 Jan;195(2):173-9.
- Janda JM, Abbott SL. The genus Hafnia: from soup to nuts. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006 Jan;19(1):12-8.
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