Effect of the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) on the bacterial community structure of a surface water ecosystem analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Nov;85(5):443-6. doi: 10.1007/s00128-010-0114-x. Epub 2010 Oct 19.

Abstract

The antiviral drug Tamiflu has received particular attention because of its recommended use against the influenza A H5N1 and H1N1 viruses. Given its resistance to degradation and its hydrophilicity the active metabolite, Oseltamivir Carboxylate (OC), is expected to enter the aquatic ecosystem from sewage treatment plants. In the present paper the bacterial community of surface water samples, treated with OC (1.5 mg L⁻¹), was characterized by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) in microcosm experiments. The α-, β- and γ-Proteobacteria increased in OC-treated versus non-treated water samples during the incubation period, suggesting these bacterial groups had an active role in OC degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alphaproteobacteria / drug effects
  • Alphaproteobacteria / growth & development
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / toxicity*
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Betaproteobacteria / drug effects
  • Betaproteobacteria / growth & development
  • Biota
  • Fresh Water / chemistry
  • Fresh Water / microbiology*
  • Gammaproteobacteria / drug effects
  • Gammaproteobacteria / growth & development
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Oseltamivir / chemistry
  • Oseltamivir / toxicity*
  • Water Microbiology
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Oseltamivir