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Research note: differential chemotaxis of Physarum polycephalum to Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum
R W Moore1, C M Scanlan, M Belyavskyi
1Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843.
Abstract:
The chemotactic and chemotropic responses of the plasmodial stage of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum were used to distinguish Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum from 10 Salmonella serovars that are commonly isolated from domestic poultry. Utilizing an in vitro plasmodium agar plate assay method, P. polycephalum was attracted to S. gallinarum and S. pullorum, but the organism was repelled by Salmonella derby, Salmonella dublin, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella minnesota, Salmonella montevideo, Salmonella newington, Salmonella newport, Salmonella reading, and Salmonella typhimurium.
Insights
The slime mold Physarum polycephalum distinguishes Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum from other poultry Salmonella serovars. This organism shows attraction to S. gallinarum and S. pullorum, but repulsion to ten other common Salmonella types.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Salmonella serovars are significant poultry pathogens.
- Distinguishing between Salmonella serovars is crucial for poultry health management.
- Physarum polycephalum exhibits chemotactic and chemotropic behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum from other Salmonella serovars using Physarum polycephalum.
- To investigate the chemotactic and chemotropic responses of P. polycephalum to various Salmonella serovars.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro plasmodium agar plate assay was employed.
- The slime mold Physarum polycephalum was exposed to different Salmonella serovars.
- Chemotactic and chemotropic responses of P. polycephalum were observed and recorded.
Main Results:
- Physarum polycephalum demonstrated attraction towards Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum.
- The slime mold exhibited repellent behavior when exposed to Salmonella derby, Salmonella dublin, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella minnesota, Salmonella montevideo, Salmonella newington, Salmonella newport, Salmonella reading, and Salmonella typhimurium.
Conclusions:
- Physarum polycephalum can be utilized as a biological tool to distinguish Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella pullorum.
- The differential responses of P. polycephalum offer a novel method for Salmonella serovar identification in poultry.
- This study highlights the potential of slime mold behavior in microbial diagnostics.