Pathogenic amoebae that affect human health

Amoebae are a diverse group of protists that move primarily by extending and retracting pseudopodia. The most important pathogenic amoeba for humans is Entamoeba histolytica. Among the free-living amoebae that exist in nature, Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri belong to a handful of genera that have an association with human disease. BEI Resources houses a diversity of pathogenic amoeba strains for researchers working on mechanisms of pathogenesis, diagnostics, antimicrobial sensitivity, and the molecular biology of these organisms.

Entamoeba histolytica. Entamoeba histolytica is an enteric parasite that predominantly infects humans and other primates. Most infections are asymptomatic and tissue invasion is a rare occurrence. In some cases, diseases can range from chronic, mild diarrhea, to fulminant dysentery. For a list of E. histolytica strains available at BEI Resources click here.

Acanthamoeba spp. Acanthamoebae inhabit a wide variety of environmental niches. In healthy humans, Acanthamoeba can cause a sight-threatening eye disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. In immunocompromised individuals, Acanthamoeba can cause disseminated infections and the fatal disease granulomatous amebic encephalitis. For a list of Acanthamoeba spp. strains available at BEI Resources click here.

Naegleria fowleri. Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. The disease is rare yet so fulminant that few people survive infection. Cases of PAM reported in North America usually occur after swimming in water naturally heated by the sun. For a list of Naegleria fowleri strains available at BEI Resources click here.