Evaluating the elimination of Brazilian entomopathogenic Bacillus by non-target aquatic species: an experimental study

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2014 Oct;93(4):461-4. doi: 10.1007/s00128-014-1368-5. Epub 2014 Aug 29.

Abstract

Ecotoxicity tests are key to predict environmental hazards resulting from chemical and biological pesticides in non-target species. In order to assess the effects of microbial pesticides it is important to determine if they cause infection in test organisms. At present the microbial elimination rate or clearance is not included in ecotoxicological regulatory protocols. This study evaluated the elimination of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus from fish and snails, after 30 days' exposure to commercial formulations of such entomopathogens. Data obtained showed that in clean water the tendency to eliminate microbial agents from the body of the exposed organisms is gradual over time but after 7 days the fish and snails were free of the two tested Bacillus spp.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus / drug effects*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / toxicity
  • Bacterial Toxins / toxicity
  • Biomphalaria / microbiology*
  • Brazil
  • Characidae / microbiology*
  • Colony-Forming Units Assay
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Endotoxins / toxicity
  • Hemolysin Proteins / toxicity
  • Pesticides / toxicity*
  • Zebrafish / microbiology*

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Pesticides
  • binB protein, Bacillus sphaericus
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis