BACTOX, a rapid bioassay that uses protozoa to assess the toxicity of bacteria

Abstract

A new type of toxicity test based on the protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis has been developed to assess the overall toxicity of bacterial strains given as prey. This simple and rapid test is able to detect toxicant- producing bacteria, which may present a biohazard. It can also be used for the risk assessment of microbes designed for deliberate release.