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[Isolation and identification of an amoeba of the genus Naegleria]
Abstract:
One pathogenic free-living amoeba, strain W042302 (Fig. 1.), was first isolated from the cooling water of a power plant in Shanghai, in April, 1986. It could result in the deaths of mice, and recovered from the brain tissue of the dead mice. This pathogenic free living amoeba could be induced into trophozoite with two flagellae (Fig. 2.). Protein patterns obtained by PAGE showed twelve bands stained by Coomassie brilliant blue R250. The isoenzyme patterns of both acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase of the amoebic extract exhibit only a single band, while lactate dehydrogenase is devoid of noticeable activity. From the results obtained in the present study, it is inferred that strain W042302 may be belong to Naegleria australiensis.
Insights
A pathogenic free-living amoeba, strain W042302, isolated from power plant cooling water, was identified as potentially Naegleria australiensis. This amoeba caused fatal infections in mice, highlighting its public health significance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Isolation of pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) strain W042302 from power plant cooling water in Shanghai.
- Demonstration of the amoeba's pathogenicity through mouse inoculation, with recovery from brain tissue.
Purpose:
- To characterize the pathogenic FLA strain W042302.
- To determine the taxonomic classification of strain W042302 using biochemical and isoenzyme analyses.
Summary:
- Strain W042302, isolated from cooling water, induced fatal infections in mice.
- Morphological and biochemical analyses, including PAGE and isoenzyme profiling (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase), were performed.
- Results suggest strain W042302 may belong to the species Naegleria australiensis.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data for identifying and managing potentially dangerous free-living amoebae in industrial water systems.
- Contributes to the understanding of Naegleria species diversity and pathogenicity.
- Informs public health strategies for preventing amoebic infections originating from environmental sources.