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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248464.].[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248464.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248464.].

Introduction Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), especially in dental environments. In this study, we examine the prevalence of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa isolated from dental chair unit (DCU) water, aiming to evaluate the hygienic status of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). Methods A total of 100 water samples were collected from DCU and the urban water supply at the Dental Faculty of Gorgan, Iran. The samples were cultured in Mueller-Hinton Broth, and DNA was extracted. Molecular identification was performed using gyrB -specific primers, with five isolates confirmed by Sanger sequencing and BLAST analysis. P. aeruginosa was detected in 95 samples. The prevalence of virulence genes ( exoS , algD , toxA , and lasB ) was assessed via multiplex PCR. Results Among 95 isolates, 72.63% (69/95) harbored all four genes, with lasB and algD each present in 97.1%, toxA in 95.65%, and exoS in 78.26%. Gene frequencies varied across sites: urban water inlet (12.5%), dental handpiece (83.87%), air-water syringe (75.67%), and water nozzle (81.25%). All five clinical isolates harbored silent mutations in gyrB (C→T132, T→C144, and A→T 111) that preserved the wild-type gyrB amino acid sequence. As all mutations were silent (C→T132, T→C144, A→T111), no structural alterations were observed in the gyrB protein. Conclusion These findings highlight that DUWLs act as reservoirs for P. aeruginosa strains harboring multiple virulence genes associated with biofilm formation. Targeted strategies are urgently needed to disrupt both bacterial growth and gene expression, which could help reduce antibiotic resistance and improve infection control in dental care.

The identification of seven cases of hepatitis E virus infection in a French rural hamlet in April 2015 led to investigations confirming the clustering and identifying the source of the infection. Laboratories and general practitioners in the area actively searched for other cases based on RT-PCR and serological tests. The environment, including water sources, was also checked for HEV RNA. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to compare HEV sequences. No other cases were found. Six of the seven patients lived in the same hamlet, and the seventh used to visit his family who lived there. All HEV strains were very similar and belonged to the HEV3f subgenotype, confirming the clustering of these cases. All the patients drank water from the public network. A break in the water supply to the hamlet was identified at the time the infection probably occurred; HEV RNA was also detected in a private water source that was connected to the public water network. The water flowing from the taps was quite turbid during the break. The private water supply containing HEV RNA was the likely source of the contamination. Private water supplies not disconnected from the public network are still frequent in rural areas, where they may contribute to public water pollution.

The provision of potable water is crucial to ensuring the health and dignity of individuals. In many developing countries, including Ethiopia, waterborne disease has become a major public health problem. There is a significant gap in accessing comprehensive national-wide evidence on Household Water Treatment (HWT) practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the pooled HWT practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search of published studies before October 15, 2022, was identified using databases and other sources. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 14/SE software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of HWT practices and the odds ratio of associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. Duval and Tweedie's \"trim and fill\" method was performed to adjust the pooled estimate. A subgroup analysis was also conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. In this study, a total of 708 articles were retrieved, and 16 eligible studies were included. The pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be 21% (95% CI: 17-24). Having a formal education (OR: 2.42, 95% CI (2.11-2.74)), being male (OR: 1.32, 95% CI (1.13-1.51)), owning radio (OR: 1.33, 95% CI (1.18-1.47)), having a higher income (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.41-2.04)), unimproved water source (OR: 1.71, 95% CI (1.41-2.01)), fetching water at more frequently (OR: 3.31, 95% CI (1.99-4.64)), dipping methods of water drawing (OR: 2.08, 95% CI (1.66-2.51)), and taken training of water treatment (OR: 2.15, 95% CI (1.55-2.75)) were all found to be associated with HWT practice. Based on the findings of this study, the pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be one-fifth, which indicated that it was significantly low. Therefore, the authors recommend that households could better receive adequate information about HWT practices through strengthened health education and intensive training on HWT.