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Algicidal effect of blue light on pathogenic Prototheca species
Carolina Dos Anjos1, Fábio Parra Sellera1, Ronaldo Gomes Gargano1
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
|April 10, 2019
Summary
Blue light effectively inactivates pathogenic Prototheca algae, including strains affecting dairy cattle. This finding offers a promising, novel approach to controlling these difficult-to-treat algal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Photobiology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Prototheca species are algae causing infections with zoonotic potential, particularly in dairy cattle.
- Current treatments are ineffective, leading to culling of infected animals to prevent outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of blue light irradiation in inactivating pathogenic Prototheca species.
- To assess the strain-specific responses of Prototheca to blue light treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro inactivation of Prototheca zopfii (genotypes 1 and 2) and Prototheca blaschkeae suspensions.
- Exposure to blue LED light at a wavelength of 410 nm.
Main Results:
- Blue light demonstrated a dose-dependent, algicidal effect against all tested Prototheca strains.
- Prototheca zopfii genotype 1 was more susceptible than genotype 2; P. blaschkeae exhibited the highest tolerance.
- Significant photoinactivation was achieved for all strains within practical timeframes.
Conclusions:
- Blue light irradiation shows significant potential as a novel technology for controlling Prototheca infections.
- This method could offer an alternative to culling infected dairy cattle.
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