Depletion of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts from contaminated sewage by using freshwater benthic pearl clams (Hyriopsis schlegeli).

ABSTRACT: The freshwater benthic pearl clam, Hyriopsis schlegeli, was experimentally exposed to Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, and it was verified that the oocysts were eliminated predominantly via the fecal route, retaining their ability to infect cultured cells (HCT-8). The total fecal oocyst elimination rate was more than 90% within 5 days after exposure to the oocysts. H. schlegeli was able to survive in the final settling pond of a sewage plant for long periods, as confirmed by its pearl production. In the light of these findings, the clam was placed in the final settling pond in a trial to test its long-term efficacy in depleting oocysts contaminating the pond water. The number of clams placed was set to ensure a theoretical oocyst removal rate of around 50%, and the turbidity and the density

SUBMITTER: Izumi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3457110 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature