Abstract
Background: Sonication of fluids has been widely used for cell lyses and decontamination of water and food due
to its three major physical and chemical effects: cavitation, implosion of water bubbles with subsequent increase in
substrate temperature and liberation of free radicals such as O-. Additionally ultrasound has been used for cleaning
filters used for water sampling and purification. Other studies have shown that backwash sampling of filtrates, and
thereby collection of microorganisms, can be facilitated by sonication.
Methods: We studied the effects of ultrasound with different sonication power and time durations on two of the most
common waterborne protozoa Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and examined its effects on parasite characteristics and
survival rate using immunofluorescence dyes; DAPI (4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindol) staining/PI (propidium iodide),
and analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results: The results showed that exposure of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts to ultrasound could reduce
their survival rate even if the exposure time was limited to a few seconds. When sonication time was extended,
changes in parasite characteristics became clearly visible. Several other factors determine the effects of ultrasound
on the parasite, including the sonication power of ultrasound as well as substrate temperature.
Conclusions: Ultrasound is harmful for waterborne protozoa even when momentarily applied. However, a mode
of operation may exist in which ultrasound can be used for collection of parasites for further study. The specific
operational conditions may be tailored to control survival rates and collection efficiency.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings 23rd WAAVP 2011 |
Editors | G. Mauricio Bulman |
Number of pages | 396 |
Place of Publication | Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires |
Publisher | AAPAVET |
Publication date | 2011 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Event | 23rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology - Buenos Aires, Argentina Duration: 21 Aug 2011 → 25 Aug 2011 Conference number: 23 http://www.waavp2011-argentina.com.ar/ |
Conference
Conference | 23rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology |
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Number | 23 |
Country/Territory | Argentina |
City | Buenos Aires |
Period | 21/08/2011 → 25/08/2011 |
Internet address |