Sub-chronic lung inflammation after airway exposures to Bacillus thuringiensis biopesticides in mice

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The aim of the present study was to assess possible health effects of airway exposures to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) based biopesticides in mice. Endpoints were lung inflammation evaluated by presence of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), clearance of bacteria from the lung lumen and histological alterations of the lungs. Hazard identifications of the biopesticides were carried out using intratracheal (i.t.) instillation, followed by an inhalation study. The two commercial biopesticides used were based on the Bt. subspecies kurstaki and israelensis, respectively. Groups of BALB/c mice were i.t instilled with one bolus (3.5 × 105 or 3.4 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) per mouse) of either biopesticide. Control mice were instilled with sterile water. BALFs were collected and the inflammatory cells were counted and differentiated. The BALFs were also subjected to CFU counts.
Original languageEnglish
JournalB M C Microbiology
Volume10
Pages (from-to)233
Number of pages1
ISSN1471-2180
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Sep 2010

    Research areas

  • Animals, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid, Female, Humans, Inhalation Exposure, Lung, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Models, Animal, Pest Control, Biological, Pesticides, Respiratory System

ID: 33792411