Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties in termites

Simulates conditions of the gut

Simulates conditions of the hemolymph

Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well

Contains bacteria, no protozoa.Presence of other small micro-organisms as well

Contains no bacteria, no protozoa.

A. niger T. kanei

Simulates conditions of the gut

Simulates conditions of the hemolymph

Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well

Contains bacteria, no protozoa.Presence of other small micro-organisms as well

Contains no bacteria, no protozoa.

A. niger T. kanei

w/ extract (0.45um)

w/ extract (0.8um)

w/ extract (Not filtered)

Control (PBS)

Set B:

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0352 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.148 (Insignificant), Extract (0.45um): 0.102 (Insignificant)

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0352 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.148 (Insignificant), Extract (0.45um): 0.102 (Insignificant)

w/ extract (0.45um) w/ extract (0.8um)

w/ extract (Not filtered) Control (PBS)

Set A:

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0151 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0396 (Significant)

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0151 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0396 (Significant)

Simulates conditions of the gut

Simulates conditions of the hemolymph

Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well

Contains bacteria, no protozoa.Presence of other small micro-organisms as well

Contains no bacteria, no protozoa.

A. niger T. kanei

w/ extract (0.45um) w/ extract (0.8um)

w/ extract (Not filtered) Control (PBS)

Set B:

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0452 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0780 (Insignificant)

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0452 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0780 (Insignificant)

w/ extract (0.45um) w/ extract (0.8um)

w/ extract (Not filtered) Control (PBS)

Set B:

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0303 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0295 (Significant)

T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0303 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0295 (Significant)

Protozoa, Bacteria,

other small micro-

organisms

Protozoa, Bacteria,

other small micro-

organisms

Bacteria, other small micro-

organisms

Bacteria, other small micro-

organisms

other small micro-

organisms

other small micro-

organisms

What we can conclude from this graph:1.Protozoa has greater anti-fungal properties against A. niger as compared to bacteria.

2.Termites in PBS pH 7.3 has greater anti-fungal properties against A. niger as compared to termites in PBS pH 10.

Conclusion: Protozoa in the hemolymph has the greatest anti-fungal properties against A.niger.

What we can conclude from this graph:1.Bacteria has greater anti-fungal properties against T. kanei as compared to protozoa.

2.Termites in PBS pH 7.3 has slightly greater anti-fungal properties against T. kanei as compared to termites in PBS pH 10.

Conclusion: Bacteria in the hemolymph has the greatest anti-fungal properties against T. kanei

Protozoa, Bacteria,

other small micro-

organisms

Protozoa, Bacteria,

other small micro-

organisms

Bacteria, other small micro-

organisms

Bacteria, other small micro-

organisms

Before (Control): 1. Place a PDA plate in front of an air-conditioner

for 15 min2. Switch on the air-conditioner to collect any

spores3. Allow fungus to grow for three days.

1. Pour the extracted body fluids into a spray bottle2. Switch off the air-conditioner.3. Open the vents.4. Spray 8 times (3 sprays uses up 0.5 ml) at 8

different points, spread out evenly between each spray.

5. Leave the treated air-conditioner off for 1 day to allow for reaction.

1. Place 8 PDA plates in front of the air-conditioner at respective locations for 15 minutes

2. Switch on the air-conditioner to collect the fungus

3. Allow fungus to grow for three days4. Observe for reduction of mould growth at the

end of the three days

Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties in termites

Before treatment After treatment

Frequently used air-con in SRC

Rarely used air-con in SRC

Before treatment After treatment

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Bultman, D. and Southwell, C.R. (1976) Natural resistance of tropical American woods to terrestrial wood-destroying organism. Biotropica. V.8, p.71-95.

Scheffrahn, R. and Nan-Yao, S. (2000) Asian Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi. Document EENY-128, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

US Patent 5866317 (1999) Method for collecting hemolymph of insects Chapman, R.F. (1998) The insects: structure and function, University of Cambridge,

p.101 & 106 Pasanen, A.L. et al. (1991) Laboratory studies on the relationship between fungal

growth and atmospheric temperature and humidity. Environ Int 1991;17: 225–228. Araújo, R.L. (1958) Contribuição à biogeografia dos térmitas de São Paulo, Brasil.

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