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Ingestion without inactivation of bacteriophages by Tetrahymena

Agnes A Akunyili1, Miaad Alfatlawi, Bandana Upadhyaya

  • 1Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16444, USA.

The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|May 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Tetrahymena thermophila ingested but did not inactivate bacteriophages PhiX174 and MS2. These digestion-resistant phages were protected from UV damage and rapidly transported, suggesting evolutionary advantages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Tetrahymena species are known to ingest and inactivate bacteriophages.
  • The mechanisms of phage-host interactions are crucial for understanding microbial ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between Tetrahymena thermophila and bacteriophages PhiX174 and MS2.
  • To determine if T. thermophila can inactivate these specific phages and to explore phage survival strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Co-incubation experiments of T. thermophila with PhiX174 and MS2.
  • Phage recovery using pulse-chase experiments, detergent lysis, and transmission electron microscopy.
  • Assessment of phage resistance to UV irradiation and phage transport assays.

Main Results:

  • T. thermophila ingested PhiX174 but failed to inactivate it or MS2.
  • Ingested PhiX174 demonstrated resistance to UV-C and UV-B irradiation.
  • Phages were rapidly transported through buffer by swimming Tetrahymena.

Conclusions:

  • PhiX174 and MS2 exhibit digestion resistance against T. thermophila.
  • Phage protection and rapid transport may provide evolutionary advantages, driving the acquisition of digestion resistance.

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