• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.1984-1989
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• 2006

Deacetylated chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) had effective antiprotozoal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration, MIC 0.25%), whereas 80% acetylated cas showed no antiprotozoal activity (MIC > 1 %). an the other hand, 80% acetylated cas showed growth stimulatory activity against the protozoa. When T. vaginalis was treated with 98% deacetylated COS at 0.25% concentration, the viability of the protozoa was rapidly decreased within 15 min, and the protozoa completely died within 40 min. Ultrastructural changes of trichomonads treated with COS included a loss of defined nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum membranes, an increase in the number of free ribosome, vacuolation, and ultimately lysis of the cell membrane. These results indicate that deacetylated COS can be used as an antitrichomonal agent, although its lethal mechanism is not known.