The Role of Free-living Amoeba in the Fate and Transport of Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria in Drinking Water Systems

My research focuses on free-living amoebae (FLA) and their impact on the fate and transport of pathogenic bacteria in water delivery networks. FLA have a two-stage life cycle: a metabolically active trophozoite stage and a dormant cyst stage that is resistant to harsh environmental conditions. FLA trophozoites feed on other microorganisms and can either digest or harbor them internally, serving as a “trojan horse” that protects them from disinfectants and can release them back into the environment. A major concern is that infected FLA threaten the efficacy of water disinfection, protecting pathogenic endosymbionts and posing a significant threat to public health.