Differential Effects of Physical and Chemical Factors on Infectivity of Three Coliphages used as Water Quality Indicator

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 National Research Centre, Dokki, Gizah, Water Pollution Control Dept.,

2 Botany Department, Faculty of science, Zagazig University, P.O 44519, Egypt

3 Greater Cairo potable water company, section of microbiological examination, the 10Th of Ramadan city laboratory, Egypt

Abstract

The effect of temperature, pH, UV, petroleum ether (60-80), acetone (99 %), ethyl alcohol (95 %) and chloroform (99 %) on the infectivity of local coliphage isolates was studied. Three E. coli phages (ECP) were isolated from Ismailia canal at Mostorod segment. Ability of local E. coli isolates to serve as a host was evaluated after storage at 4-6º C, 25-28º C and 35-38º C for six months. E. coli isolate number 1 of seven tested served as host for phage reproduction and plaque formation (PF). Phage isolates were identified by plaque size and electron microscopy. ECP 1 and ECP 2 are Podoviridae and ECP3 is a Siphoviridae. The infectivity of coliphages decreased with increasing storage periods and incubation temperature. Exposure of somatic coliphages to acidic or alkaline pH, organic solvents or UV radiation (240 nm) or heating (≥ 60º C) diminished infectivity. Ability of E. coli 1 to serve as a host for somatic coliphages inversely related to its age. No detectable effect was found for lower temperature ≤ 5º C on the infectivity of coliphage isolates during storage periods

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