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Bacillus sphaericus mosquito pathogens in the aquatic environment

A A Yousten1, E F Benfield, F J Genthner

  • 1Biology Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA.

Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Bacillus sphaericus spores degrade faster in seawater than freshwater. While spores don't bind to sediment, their toxins do, affecting aquatic invertebrate larvae differently.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Aquatic ecology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Bacillus sphaericus is a bacterium with spores relevant to environmental studies.
  • Understanding spore fate is crucial for assessing ecological impact.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) is a related species often used for comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the environmental fate of Bacillus sphaericus spores.
  • To determine spore viability in aquatic environments (freshwater and seawater).
  • To examine spore and toxin interactions with aquatic sediments and invertebrate larvae.

Main Methods:

  • Spores were suspended in dialysis bags in freshwater and seawater.
  • Spores were mixed with pond sediment.

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  • Toxicity of B.t.i. and B. sphaericus were assessed.
  • Spores were fed to aquatic invertebrate larvae, and gut persistence was monitored.

    • Main Results:

    • Bacillus sphaericus spore viability decreased more rapidly in seawater.
    • Neither B. sphaericus nor B.t.i. spores attached to pond sediment.
    • B.t.i. parasporal bodies showed rapid attachment to sediment, reducing toxicity.
    • B. sphaericus toxin settled slower and less completely.
    • Spores were mostly eliminated from invertebrate guts within a week, except in cranefly larvae (Tipula abdominalis).

    Conclusions:

    • Environmental conditions, particularly salinity, influence Bacillus sphaericus spore viability.
    • Spore-sediment interactions are minimal, but toxin-sediment interactions occur.
    • Ingestion by aquatic invertebrates leads to rapid spore elimination, with notable exceptions in specific species like Tipula abdominalis.