2023/01/29 by Leigha M Stahl, Julie B. Olson · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Medicine · #Legionella and Acanthamoeba research #Fecal contamination and water quality #Amoebic Infections and Treatments
paper · doi:10.1111/jeu.12964
openalex publication_date 2023/01/29 · openalex created_date 2023/01/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/09
Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a deadly infection that occurs when free-living amoebae enter the nose via freshwater and travel to the brain. N. fowleri naturally thrives in freshwater and soil and is thought to be associated with elevated water temperatures. While environmental and laboratory studies have sought to identify what environmental factors influence its presence, many questions remain. This study investigated the interactive effects of temperature, pH, and salinity on N. fowleri in deionized and environmental waters. Three temperatures (15, 25, 35°C), pH values (6.5, 7.5, 8.5), and salinity concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% NaCl) were used to evaluate the growth of N. fowleri via ATP luminescent assays. Results indicated N. fowleri grew best at 25°C, and multiple interactive effects occurred between abiotic factors. Interactions varied slightly by water type but were largely driven by temperature and salinity. Lower temperature increased N. fowleri persistence at higher salinity levels, while low salinity (0.5% NaCl) supported N. fowleri growth at all temperatures. This research provided an experimental approach to assess interactive effects influencing the persistence of N. fowleri. As climate change impacts water temperatures and conditions, understanding the microbial ecology of N. fowleri will be needed minimize pathogen exposure.