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Applied and environmental microbiology1981; 41(1); 164-168; doi: 10.1128/aem.41.1.164-168.1981

Distribution of ribonucleic acid coliphages in animals.

Abstract: To determine the distribution pattern of ribonucleic acid (RNA) coliphages (classified by serological groups I through IV) in animal sources, we isolated RNA phages from (i) feces samples from domestic animals (cows, pigs, horses, and fowls), some other animals in a zoological garden, and humans, (ii) the gastrointestinal contents of cows and pigs, and (iii) sewage samples from treatment plants in slaughter houses. These samples were then analyzed serologically. The concentration of RNA phages in the first and second kinds of material was fairly low (10 to 10(3) plaque-forming units per original phage sample), whereas that in the third kind of material was fairly high (10(3) to 10(5) plaque-forming units per original phage sample). Concerning the group types of the RNA phages in the first and second kinds of material, human feces contained RNA phages of groups II and III almost equally, the gastrointestinal contents of pigs included those of groups I and II equally, and the feces or gastrointestinal contents of other mammals other than humans and pigs had those of group I exclusively. In the third type of material we found mostly group I phages with a minor fraction of group II phages. Thus, the prominent features of the distribution pattern of RNA phages are the predominance of groups III and II in humans and the predominance of group I in animals.
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Publication Date: 1981-01-01 PubMed ID: 7224619PubMed Central: PMC243656DOI: 10.1128/aem.41.1.164-168.1981Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates how Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) coliphages distribute in animals, with some of these phages being found in fecal matter and gastrointestinal contents. The researchers found that while the concentration of these phages was relatively low in samples from animals and their digestive systems, it was quite high in sewage samples. The types of RNA phages present in different sample types also varied, with some groups being more prominent in humans compared to animals.

Sampling and Analysis Process

  • The study involved the collection of samples from diverse animal sources with the aim of understanding the distribution of RNA coliphages, which were classified under serological groups ranging from I to IV. These samples comprised fecal matter from domestic and zoo animals, humans, and gastrointestinal contents from livestock.
  • Additionally, sewage samples originating from slaughterhouses treatment plants were collected.
  • The researchers then undertook a serological analysis of the collected samples. The concentration of RNA phages among these samples was varying, with fecal matter and gut content samples recording low readings (10 to 10(3) plaque-forming units), while sewage samples had a significantly higher concentration (10(3) to 10(5) plaque-forming units).

Results and Observations

  • Upon analyzing group types of RNA phages in the first and second sample categories, a notable number of RNA phages belonging to Group II and III were discovered in human feces. This contrasted the findings from pigs’ gastrointestinal contents, which were found to have an equal number of Groups I and II phages.
  • Interestingly, feces or gut content samples from mammals other than humans and pigs exclusively contained Group I phages.
  • The composition of RNA phages found in the sewage samples varied from the previous categories, predominantly containing Group I phages and a smaller fraction of Group II phages.

Key Findings

  • Following the sampling and analysis, the researchers highlighted certain unique characteristics of the distribution pattern of RNA phages. Notably, Group I phages were predominant in animals, while Group II and III were predominant in human samples.
  • These findings could have implications on the understanding of the interaction between these microorganisms and their hosts, and potentially offer insights on disease transmission and how such diseases could be prevented or treated.

Cite This Article

APA
Osawa S, Furuse K, Watanabe I. (1981). Distribution of ribonucleic acid coliphages in animals. Appl Environ Microbiol, 41(1), 164-168. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.41.1.164-168.1981

Publication

Applied and environmental microbiology
ISSN: 0099-2240
NlmUniqueID: 7605801
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 1
Pages: 164-168

Researcher Affiliations

Osawa, S
    Furuse, K
      Watanabe, I

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Animals, Domestic / microbiology
        • Animals, Zoo / microbiology
        • Cattle / microbiology
        • Coliphages / isolation & purification
        • Digestive System / microbiology
        • Feces / microbiology
        • Horses / microbiology
        • Humans
        • Poultry / microbiology
        • RNA Phages / isolation & purification
        • Swine / microbiology

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