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Antagonistic Microbial Interactions: Contributions and Potential Applications for Controlling Pathogens in the
Judith Feichtmayer1, Li Deng1,2, Christian Griebler1
1Institute of Groundwater Ecology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 30, 2017
Summary
Wastewater treatment doesn't fully remove pathogens. Aquatic environments limit pathogen survival through abiotic factors and microbial interactions, offering potential for environmental applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Aquatic ecology
- Pathogen survival
Background:
- Pathogenic microorganisms and viruses enter aquatic environments despite wastewater treatment.
- Aquatic environments are generally hostile to human pathogens, leading to inactivation rather than reproduction.
- Pathogen survival is influenced by abiotic factors (irradiation, ionic strength, temperature, redox state) and biotic interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss known biotic interactions between autochthonous microbes and introduced pathogens in aquatic environments.
- To identify research gaps in understanding these interactions.
- To present promising processes for future applications in aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on microbial interactions.
- Compilation of knowledge on biotic interactions affecting pathogen survival.
- Identification and discussion of research gaps and future application potentials.
Main Results:
- Autochthonous microbes employ various strategies to inhibit pathogen survival, including protozoan grazing, virus-induced lysis, antimicrobial substances, and predation.
- While some mechanisms are well-understood, others require further investigation.
- Significant research gaps exist in fully elucidating the complex interplay of these biotic interactions.
Conclusions:
- Biotic interactions play a crucial role in the inactivation of pathogens in aquatic environments.
- Understanding these interactions is key to developing novel strategies for pathogen control.
- Further research into microbial antagonism offers potential for innovative applications in environmental management.
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