Isolation and identification of free-living amoebae from some water sources in Alexandria
Sadaka, H.A.; el-Nassery, S.F.; abou Samra, L.M.; Awadalla, H.N.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 24(2): 247-257
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-0583 PMID: 8077745 Document Number: 423241
Samples from different water sources of Alexandria, and from nasal passages of 500 healthy children inhabiting areas nearby these sources were examined for the presence of free-living amoebae. These samples were cultured on 1.5% non nutrient agar streaked with bacteria. Amoebae were isolated and identified by means of their morphological characters and ability to produce flagellated forms. Characteristics of the cystic stages and pattern of excystation also aided in the identification of the various species. Nine species, Naegleria gruberi, N. fowleri, Acanthamoeba rhysodes, A. glebae, A. culbertsoni, A. astronyxis, A. palestinensis, V. avara and V. inornata were isolated from the water of canals and drains. N. gruberi and A. rhysodes were found in the nasal passages of six healthy children living near the contaminated canals. No amoebae were encountered in the drinking water, swimming pools, sea and lake water included in this study.