Abstract
Cholera toxin is the aetiological agent of cholera – a deadly waterborne disease acquired through the consumption of untreated water contaminated with CTXФ bacteriophage harbouring strains of V. cholerae. Solar disinfection is a re-emerging technique that relies on the ultraviolet component of sunlight to inactivate the growth of Vibrio cholerae in water, rendering the water microbiologically safe for consumption. However, studies have shown that DNA damaging agents, such as ultraviolet light, induce the replication of the CTXФ bacteriophage with subsequent expression of the cholera toxin. In this study we investigated the impact of solar irradiation on the secretion of cholera toxin by toxigenic strains of V. cholerae in water. The cholera toxin ELISA assay, qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR as well as growth on solid media were used to determine cholera toxin secretion, DNA integrity and growth of the bacteria after 7 h and 31 h of solar irradiation. Solar irradiation in water reduced the integrity of DNA, inactivated the growth of V. cholerae and, most importantly, prevented the secretion of detectable levels of cholera toxin. This finding is encouraging for resource-poor communities that may rely on solar disinfection to alleviate the burden of cholera-related fatalities.
Highlights
Cholera is a life-threatening waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, a motile Gram-negative bacterium that is autochthonous in natural aquatic ecosystems.[1]
As a means of mitigating the contraction of waterborne diseases or deaths resulting from the consumption of untreated water, the use of solar ultraviolet radiation (SUVR) through a technique known as solar disinfection (SODIS) has been recommended
We investigated the effect of SUVR on the secretion of cholera toxin by V. cholerae
Summary
Cholera is a life-threatening waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, a motile Gram-negative bacterium that is autochthonous in natural aquatic ecosystems.[1] The disease is a constant threat and continues to ravage resource-poor communities around the world that lack adequate access to safe potable water and sanitation, with subsequent high fatality rates.[2,3] Seven cholera pandemics have been reported worldwide; six were ascribed to the classical biotype of the O1 serogroup of V. cholerae while the most recent pandemic was attributed to the El Tor biotype of the same serogroup. The subunits are produced in the bacterial cytoplasm and are transported to the periplasm where they are folded and assembled into the 84-kDa heterohexameric AB5 toxin complex.[11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
