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Simple concentration method for bacteriophages of Bacteroides fragilis in drinking water
Abstract:
A membrane of inorganic material with a honeycomb pore structure was used to concentrate phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis from drinking water. Phages were removed from the membrane with 0.25 M glycine buffer pH 9.5. Phages were not inactivated by storage in this buffer neutralized to pH 7.0 for at least 9 days at 4 degrees C. The method allows recovery of around 50% in drinking water. When the turbidity of the water increased, the efficiency of the concentration decreased markedly. The efficiency of concentration was evaluated versus a presence/absence test in 317 water samples with turbidity level below the threshold of drinking water. Results obtained by concentration of 11 provided data which were significantly more informative than the presence/absence tests carried out on 100 ml. A number of additional tests carried out with both somatic and F-specific coliphages indicated that these conclusions can be extended to these groups of bacteriophages.
Insights
This study developed a method using inorganic membranes to concentrate bacteriophages (viruses infecting bacteria) from drinking water, achieving 50% recovery. The technique proved more informative than standard tests, especially in low-turbidity water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Virology
Background:
- Bacteriophages are crucial indicators of fecal contamination in water.
- Efficient concentration methods are needed for sensitive phage detection in water samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel membrane-based concentration method for bacteriophages in drinking water.
- To assess the method's efficiency, phage viability, and comparison against traditional presence/absence tests.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an inorganic membrane with a honeycomb pore structure for phage concentration.
- Eluted concentrated phages using 0.25 M glycine buffer (pH 9.5).
- Assessed phage viability during storage and compared concentration efficiency with presence/absence tests.
Main Results:
- Achieved approximately 50% recovery of phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis.
- Phage viability was maintained for at least 9 days at 4°C in neutralized glycine buffer.
- Concentration method provided significantly more informative results than presence/absence tests for low-turbidity water.
- Method's efficiency decreased markedly with increased water turbidity.
Conclusions:
- The inorganic membrane concentration method is effective for detecting bacteriophages in drinking water.
- The method offers enhanced sensitivity and informativeness compared to standard tests, particularly in clear water.
- The findings are applicable to various bacteriophage groups, including coliphages.