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Interaction between Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and environmental protozoa.
Lynne Whan1, Irene R Grant, Michael T Rowe
1Department of Food Science, Queen's University Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, Northern Ireland, UK. lynnewhan@hotmail.com
BMC Microbiology
|July 15, 2006
Summary
Free-living protozoa, like Acanthamoeba, can ingest Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). Ingested Map survives and multiplies within amoebae, showing increased resistance to chlorine disinfection in water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Pathogen survival
- Waterborne protozoa
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) interactions with aquatic protozoa are probable.
- Investigated Map ingestion by Acanthamoeba spp. and its effect on survival and chlorine resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Acanthamoeba spp. can ingest and support Map survival and multiplication.
- To assess the impact of amoebal ingestion on Map's resistance to chlorine inactivation.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of Map strains with Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. polyphaga.
- Acid-fast staining to confirm intracellular Map.
- Chlorine inactivation assays comparing ingested vs. free Map.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba spp. ingested 4.6-9.1% of spiked Map populations.
- Map numbers increased 1-1.5 log10 within amoebae between days 7 and 24.
- Ingested Map exhibited significantly higher resistance to chlorine (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba spp. facilitate Map survival and multiplication.
- Amoeba-ingested Map demonstrates enhanced resistance to chlorine disinfection.
- Findings impact water treatment strategies for Map-contaminated water.