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Chlorine inactivation of spores of Encephalitozoon spp
C H Johnson1, M M Marshall, L A DeMaria
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA. johnson.cliff@epa.gov
Abstract:
This report is an extension of a preliminary investigation on the use of chlorine to inactivate spores of Encephalitozoon intestinalis and to investigate the effect of chlorine on two other species, E cuniculi and E. hellem, associated with human infection. The 50% tissue culture infective doses of these three species were also determined. On the basis of the results obtained, it appears that chlorination of water is an effective means of controlling spores of these organisms in the aquatic environment.
Insights
Chlorination effectively inactivates Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores and impacts two other species, E. cuniculi and E. hellem. Water chlorination is a viable method for controlling these human-infecting organisms in aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Parasitology
- Water treatment
Background:
- Encephalitozoon species are emerging opportunistic pathogens causing human infections.
- Controlling the spread of Encephalitozoon spores in water is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies indicated a need for further investigation into chlorine's efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend preliminary findings on chlorine's effectiveness against Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores.
- To determine the impact of chlorine on Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon hellem spores.
- To establish the 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID50) for these three Encephalitozoon species.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Encephalitozoon spores to varying chlorine concentrations.
- Determination of spore viability post-chlorination using tissue culture infectivity assays.
- Calculation of 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID50) for each species.
Main Results:
- Chlorine demonstrated significant inactivation of Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores.
- Chlorine exposure also affected the infectivity of E. cuniculi and E. hellem spores.
- TCID50 values were determined for all three species, providing a measure of their infectivity.
Conclusions:
- Water chlorination is an effective strategy for controlling Encephalitozoon spores in aquatic settings.
- Chlorine treatment presents a practical method for mitigating the transmission of these pathogens.
- Further research can build upon these findings for improved water safety protocols.