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Mammalian cell cultures affected by Naegleria gruberi
1Department of Microbiology, Oral Roberts University, School of Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137.
Abstract:
Amebae of 8 strains of Naegleria gruberi were able to destroy 10 established mammalian cell lines including lung, kidney, ovary, connective tissue, neuroblastoma, and laryngeal and cervical carcinoma cells. The strains of N. gruberi varied in their ability to produce a destructive effect (DE) in African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell cultures. However, cell line susceptibility was found to be equivalent when tested with the considerably destructive 1518/l strain of N. gruberi. The Vero cell line proved to be a useful indicator culture for assessing the destructive potential of N. gruberi strains. Other factors affecting the extent of DE produced were ameba to mammalian cell ratio and the length of time that amebae were maintained in cell culture.
Insights
Naegleria gruberi amebae can destroy various human cell lines. The African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell line effectively indicates the destructive potential of Naegleria gruberi strains.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Naegleria gruberi is a free-living amoeba.
- Some Naegleria species are pathogenic to humans.
- Understanding the cytopathic effects of Naegleria is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytopathic effects of Naegleria gruberi strains on various mammalian cell lines.
- To identify a reliable cell line for assessing the destructive potential of Naegleria gruberi.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing of 8 Naegleria gruberi strains with 10 established mammalian cell lines.
- Assessing the destructive effect (DE) on cell cultures.
- Utilizing African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells as an indicator culture.
Main Results:
- Naegleria gruberi destroyed all 10 tested mammalian cell lines.
- Destructive potential varied among N. gruberi strains.
- Vero cells showed equivalent susceptibility to a highly destructive N. gruberi strain, indicating their utility.
- Amoeba-to-mammalian cell ratio and culture duration influenced DE.
Conclusions:
- Naegleria gruberi exhibits broad cytopathic activity against diverse mammalian cells.
- The Vero cell line is a valuable tool for evaluating the destructive capacity of Naegleria gruberi.
- Optimizing experimental conditions is important for accurate assessment of amoebic pathogenicity.