USE OF OZONE IN AIR AND WATER TREATMENT TO CONTROL PATHOGENS OF IMPORTANCE IN ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to determine the efficacy of ozone in the air and in water onthe control of bacteria strains of economic importance in the swine and poultry production at exposure levels approved by OSHA; investigate the toxic effects of chronic exposure to low levels of ozone; and study the involvement of stress proteins in the molecular mechanism of ozone lung toxicology.

APPROACH: There is considerable potential for the use of ozone in the swine and poultry industries. Ozone in the water and ventitlation systems of these facilities (watering animals and flushing waste) could result in the control of pathogens in the animals, as well as control of odor-causing bacteria in the waste products. These changes have the potential to increase the health and therefore productivity of swine and poultry. However, ozone must be determined to be effective at levels safe for animals and humans before these operational procedures are implemented. Therefore, this project will investigate the efficacy of ozone in controlling microbial contaminants common in swine and poultry houses and also determine if the use of ozone is safe for animals and human employees by toxicology evaluations.

PROGRESS: 1996/10 TO 1999/09

This research investigated both the anti-microbial efficacy and safety of ozone. First, the anti-microbial activity of ozone was evaluated. Bacteria were exposed to different concentrations of ozone for 1, 51 15, 30 or 60 minutes. Percent reduction of bacterial colonies ranged from 100% to 3.2%. These results indicate that higher concentrations of ozone are more effective at controlling growth. However, the levels that are effective at bacterial control can damage the respiratory system. Therefore, the mechanism of ozone-induced inflammation was evaluated as well as the anti-inflammatory activity of Cat’s Claw, a native remedy from the rain forests of South America. Mice were assigned to three groups. 0%, 50%, and 100% Cat’s Claw extract prior to ozone exposure. Histomorphometry, bronco alveolar lavage, and cytological smears were performed. In ozone-exposed mice, epithelial necrosis and neutrophilic inflammation were observed. Desquamated epithelial cells per lumen area, polymorphonuclear cells in the lumen and epithelial cell nuclei in the alveolar wall were higher in control than treated groups (p>0.05); Treatment with Cat’s Claw reduced ozone induced changes. The gene, gadd153, is a growth arrest and DNA damage inducible protein that is expressed when cells are under oxidative stress. Using RT-PCR techniques we have shown induction in the mouse lung when exposed to ozone. Further research will be necessary to determine is Cat’s Claw extract has an effect on gaddl53 expression. Due to the fact that ozone is a major component of air pollution, this extract may have wide reaching potential as a preventative agent.

PUBLICATIONS: 1996/10 TO 1999/09

1. Cisneros, F.J. 1998. Uncaria Tomentosa: Study of Anti-inflammatory Effects in Mice Exposed to Ozone. MS thesis. North Carolina A&T State University.

2. Cisneros, F.J. M. Jayo, and L. Niedziela. 1998. Uncaria Tomentosa: study of anti-inflammatory effects in mice exposed to ozone. Abstract presented at BRIDGES Symposium, Raleigh, NC, October 1998. Cisneros, F. J., M. Jayo and L. Niedziela. 1999. Study of anti-inflammatory effects of Uncaria Tomentosa against ozone induced inflammation in mice. Publication submitted to Inflammation Research. July 1999.

3. Lawson, A. and L. Niedziela. 1999. The antimicrobial activity of ozone against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Life and Physical Sciences Research Symposium, February 1999, Greensboro, NC. 4. Lawson, A. and L. Niedziela. 1999. The antimicrobial activity of ozone against E.coli and S. aureus. National Conference of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, April 1999, Roanoke, VA.

5. Niedziela, L., J. Moss, and A. Lawson. 1999. The anti-microbial effect of ozone against common bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Manuscript in preparation for Journal of Public Health.

PROJ NO: NCX-145-5-97-120-1 AGENCY: CSRS NC.X
PROJ TYPE: EVANS-ALLEN PROJ. STATUS: TERMINATED
START: 01 OCT 1996 TERM: 30 SEP 1999 FY: 1999

INVESTIGATOR: Soler-Niedziela, L.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
ANIMAL SCIENCE
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIV
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27411