Removal of Waterborne Viruses by Tetrahymena pyriformis Is Virus-Specific and Coincides with Changes in Protist Swimming Speed.

ABSTRACT: Biological treatment of waterborne viruses, specifically grazing of viruses by protists, can enhance microbial water quality while avoiding the production of toxic byproducts and high energy costs. However, tangible applications are limited by the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we examined the feeding behavior of Tetrahymena pyriformis ciliates on 13 viruses, including bacteriophages, enteric viruses, and respiratory viruses. Significant differences in virus removal by T. pyriformis were observed, ranging from no removal (Qbeta, coxsackievirus B5) to ≥2.7 log₁₀ (JC polyomavirus) after 48 h of co-incubation of the protist with the virus. Removal rates were conserved even when protists were co-incubated with multiple viruses simultaneously.

SUBMITTER: Olive M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8988290 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature