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In vitro inactivation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by use of copper ions

P Steuer1,2, C Avilez1, C Tejeda1

  • 1Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Saelzer Building 5° Floor, Campus Isla Teja, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile.

BMC Microbiology
|November 2, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Copper ions effectively reduced Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) viability and numbers in liquid. This study explored copper

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Veterinary infectious diseases

Background:

  • Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes paratuberculosis in ruminants, leading to chronic intestinal inflammation.
  • MAP's resistance to physical and chemical treatments complicates pathogen control efforts.
  • Copper's known antimicrobial properties suggest potential for MAP inactivation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of copper ions in reducing MAP numbers and viability within a fluid matrix.
  • To validate copper ion effectiveness against control bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli.

Main Methods:

  • MAP-spiked phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was treated with copper ions (24 V for 5 min).
  • Bacterial viability and quantification were assessed using phage amplification assay, MGIT culture, and qPCR.
  • Samples were analyzed pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Copper ion treatment completely eliminated control bacteria (MRSA and E. coli) at 10^3 CFU/ml.
  • Significant reduction in viable MAP was observed via phage assay post-treatment.
  • MGIT culture showed statistically significant differences in time-to-detection (TTD) between pre- and post-treatment MAP.
  • qPCR analysis indicated lower MAP genome equivalents in post-treatment samples.

Conclusions:

  • Copper ions significantly reduce MAP in liquid environments.
  • While effective, occasional MAP survival was noted, suggesting potential for incomplete eradication.
Keywords:
Copper ionsMGIT cultureMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosisPhage amplification assayPhosphate buffered saline

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