Genetic variation in the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri

Article Abstract:

Research was conducted to examine 30 strains of the pathogenic free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The objective was to detect further variability in N. fowleri and to better understand the dispersal of the organism. Results confirmed previous findings showing that RAPD variation is not correlated with geographical origin. Findings also confirmed the existence of numerous variants in Europe while only two variants were detected in the US.

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Development of a PCR for identification of Naegleria fowleri from the environment

Article Abstract:

A PCR-based test may be effective in detecting the pathogenic amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which lives in warm freshwater. Researchers collected mud and algae samples from natural hot springs in Bath, England. They were able to detect 10 trophozoites or cysts after 35 PCR cycles and 1 trophozoite or cyst after 45 PCR cycles. The test may be used for clinically diagnosing cases of the fatal N. fowleri primary amoebic meningeoencephalitis.

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Assessing the risk of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis from swimming in the presence of environmental Naegleria fowleri

Article Abstract:

Researchers have developed a model that can calculate the risk of developing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis from swimming in water containing Naegleria fowleri depending on the concentration of the amoeba in the water. The amoeba usually enters the body via the nose.

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