Abstract
We present a novel and simple technique for storing live Acanthamoeba for long periods of time. The amoebae are maintained at refrigerator temperatures in a peptone–yeast extract–glucose (PYG) medium normally used for cultivation. Using this method, we obtained survival rates of at least 4 years for Acanthamoeba polyphaga and 3 years for Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba rhysodes. Advantages of this storage method are: (1) it is quick and simple, (2) inexpensive, (3) does not require encystment before storage, (4) resuscitation of cysts can be achieved within a week of culture in PYG medium at 27°C, and does not require co-culture with bacteria or any special equipment.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported financially by the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA-H482), the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS 221-2007-438), and Sparbankstiftelsen Kronan. All experiments comply with the national guidelines.
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Axelsson-Olsson, D., Olofsson, J., Ellström, P. et al. A simple method for long-term storage of Acanthamoeba species. Parasitol Res 104, 935–937 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1304-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1304-x