Effects of Bacteriophage Upon Cultures of Entamoeba Histolytica.

Abstract

The cultivation of Entamoeba histolytica has been made of practical and almost routine laboratory usefulness through the Boeck and Drbohlav1 method of procuring cultures and the modification of Dobell and Laidlaw2 has enhanced its success. However, the maintenance of continuous generations is often impaired and the strains frequently lost through the concurrent bacterial growth. As Dobell and Laidlaw have pointed out, the conjoint protozoa and schizomycetes microorganisms may attain an adaptation or adjustment that makes the amoebic growth luxuriant and the propagation of the culture simple. However, in continuing strains through many generations, the contamination or bacterial overgrowth feature is a most annoying factor and often threatens to destroy or actually causes the loss of the Entamoeba culture. As far as known the cultures of amoeba obtained by this method are always accompanied by bacterial growth and these accompanying microorganisms are regarded by many as obligatory commensurable or symbion...