Transcript Detection of Influenza A on Fomites.

Alga Extracts as Novel
Antiviral Agents
By Stephanie Boone
Background
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Antimicrobial activity of alga
was first reported in 1940
(antibacterial activity of
Chorella vulgaris).
The antimicrobial properties
of seaweed reported in 1951.
Antiviral effects of
polysaccarides from marine
alga reported to inhibit
mumps, and influenza B
virus.
1969 extracts from red algae
inhibited HSV and other
viruses.
These observations generated
little interest due to
nonspecificity.
Antiviral Activity
Caulerpa taxifolia Inhibited FIV in
vitro
Blue-green algae
(allophycocyanin) Neutralized enterovirus
71 cytopathic effect in
vitro
Blue-green algae
(Cyanovirin-N)
Inactivates HIV
Spirulina platensis Inhibits HIV activity
Spirulina platensis
(calcium spirulan) Inhibits HSV-1, human
cytomegalovirus
(HCMV), measles
virus, mumps virus,
influenza virus and
HIV-1
Alga Sulfated
polysaccharides
HIV, herpes simplex
1&2, influenza A, RSV,
SIV, pseudorabies,
bovine herpes and
HCMV
Antiviral Mechanisms
Sulfated
Interfere with
polysaccharides attachment of virus
to target cell
cyanovirin
Interferes with
membrane fusion and
host cell entry
Sulfoglycolipids
Inhibit reverse
transcriptase
carrageenans
Increase T and B cell
mitogens
Spirulina
Increase phagocytic
activity, antibody
production, NK cell
accumulation
My Antiviral Study
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METHOD
Grew a lawn of bacteria on
TSA plate.
Used bacteria phage assay.
PRD-1 was placed in top agar.
Applied Spirulina from health
food store to plates in diluted
form.
Watched growth over 24 hour
period.
Counted plaques.
Study Results
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No difference between treated plates
and plates not treated.
Assay failed.
Study Conclusions
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Conclusions:
Never work with algae in a bottle from the
health food store.
References
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Available upon
request.