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Scanning electron microscopic study of human neuroblastoma cells affected with Naegleria fowleri Thai strains

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Abstract

In order to understand the pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, the human neuroblastoma (SK-N-MC) and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells were studied in vitro. Amoeba suspension in cell-culture medium was added to the confluent monolayer of SK-N-MC and Vero cells. The cytopathic activity of N. fowleri trophozoites in co-culture system was elucidated by scanning electron microscope at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. Two strains of N. fowleri displayed well-organized vigorous pseudopods in Nelson’s medium at 37°C. In co-culture, the target monolayer cells were damaged by two mechanisms, phagocytosis by vigorous pseudopods and engulfment by sucker-like apparatus. N. fowleri trophozoites produced amoebostomes only in co-culture with SK-N-MC cells. In contrast, we could not find such apparatus in the co-culture with Vero cells. The complete destruction time (100%) at 1:1 amoeba/cells ratio of SK-N-MC cells (1 day) was shorter than the Vero cells (12 days). In conclusion, SK-N-MC cells were confirmed to be a target model for studying neuropathogenesis of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital Research Fund during 2005–2006.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd., Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Supathra Tiewcharoen, Virach Junnu & Nat Malainual

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

    Jundee Rabablert

  3. Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand

    Pruksawan Chetanachan & Dusit Worawirounwong

Authors
  1. Supathra Tiewcharoen
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  2. Jundee Rabablert
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  3. Pruksawan Chetanachan
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  4. Virach Junnu
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  5. Dusit Worawirounwong
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  6. Nat Malainual
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Correspondence to Nat Malainual.

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Tiewcharoen, S., Rabablert, J., Chetanachan, P. et al. Scanning electron microscopic study of human neuroblastoma cells affected with Naegleria fowleri Thai strains. Parasitol Res 103, 1119–1123 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1103-4

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