Mammalian cell cultures affected by Naegleria gruberi

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.