Bioaccumulation of bacteriophages T4 and RB43 by freshwater bivalves in sterile aquarium water

In our study, we investigated the bioaccumulation of T4 and RB43 bacteriophages by the bivalve mollusks U. pictorum and A. cygnea . Additionally, tests were conducted to determine the content of E. coli in the mollusks, and a comparison of the bioaccumulation activity of the viruses based on their diet was made. The results of the studies indicated that T4 and RB43 bacteriophages, despite differences in conditions and virus structure, exhibit a similar bioaccumulation model where their titers depend on the activity of the mollusk and their cyclical changes. The phage is reproduced by the natural microflora of the animal and can be retained due to its filtration feeding type. The activity of the mollusk is also influenced by its feeding characteristics.