Rapid identification of thermophilic Naegleria, including Naegleria fowleri using API ZYM system.
The suitability of the API ZYM system for identifying thermophilic Naegleria species, based on enzyme presence and activity, was investigated. Replicate testing on strains of N fowleri, N lovaniensis, and N australiensis cultured in a monoxenic and an axenic medium showed that the system could provide a rapid and reproducible means of identifying the species soon after primary isolation. No single enzyme was found specific for any one species, but considerable differences were found in the patterns of activity of acid phosphatase and leucine arylamidase. When these were compared the species could be differentiated. Use of the system in conjunction with a simple culture method is proposed as a readily available means of monitoring environmental and public bathing sites to prevent primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Register for free content
The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.
Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.
