Sonic Stimulation and Low Power Microwave Radiation Can Modulate Bacterial Virulence Towards Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

<P>Background: In view of the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, novel alternative approaches to deal with infectious bacteria are warranted, in addition to the conventional invasive therapeutic approaches. </P><P> Objective: This study aimed at investigating whether exposure to sonic stimulation or microwave radiation can affect virulence of pathogenic bacteria toward the model nematode host Caenorhabditis elegans. </P><P> Methods: Caenorhabditis elegans worms infected with different pathogenic bacteria were subjected to sonic treatment to investigate whether such sound treatment can exert any therapeutic effect on the infected worms. Virulence of microwave exposed bacteria was also assessed using this nematode host. </P><P> Results: Sound corresponding to 400 Hz, and the divine sound ‘Om’ conferred protective effect on C. elegans in face of bacterial infection, particularly that caused by Serratia marcescens or Staphylococcus aureus. The observed effect seemed to occur due to influence of sound on bacteria, and not on the worm. Additionally, effect of microwave exposure on bacterial virulence was also investigated, wherein microwave exposure could reduce virulence of S. aureus towards C. elegans. </P><P> Conclusion: Sonic stimulation/ microwave exposure was demonstrated to be capable of modulating bacterial virulence.</P>

Sonic stimulation at certain frequencies can confer limited protection on nematode host infected with Serratia marcescens

“…Taken together with our previous results [Patel et al, 2019b], this study indicates that certain sonic frequencies (e.g. 400 Hz, 700 Hz, 2,000 Hz) can exert some therapeutic effect on worms challenged with pathogenic bacteria.…”

“…frequency) of sound used, and also the pathogenic bacterial species being targeted. From the limited insight provided by our hitherto studies Kothari et al, 2018;Patel et al, 2019b] S. marcescens appear to be a sound-responsive bacterium. Challenge for future studies lies in elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with this soundresponsiveness of bacteria, and identifying the most effective sonic stimulation (in terms of frequency and sound intensity) offering maximum protection against bacterial infections.…”

“…Establishment of bacterial infection in the host worm, and sonic stimulation of the infected worms was executed as described in our previous study [Patel et al, 2019b]. Spotted babbler's sound was played at the intensity of 64-78 dB, and that of Koel at 66-80 dB.…”