Comparison of Starches Used in the Culture of Endamoeba Histolytica

Abstract

Summary A qualitative analysis has been made of a rice starch and a rice powder used in the cultivation of E. histolytica. The amount of total carbohydrate in each was determined as well as the content of quickly water-soluble carbohydrate. Rice powder (B) was found to contain a higher concentration of the quickly water-soluble carbohydrate. Lipid determinations showed that rice powder (B) contains approximately seven times more total lipid and fatty acids than rice starch (A). Total nitrogen and individual amino acids were determined chemically and microbiologically. Rice powder (B) contains 5 to 6 times more nitrogen than does rice starch (A). Water soluble and fat soluble vitamins were determined. Rice powder (B) was found to be a richer source of these vitamins. Ash and moisture analyses were made on both products. Rice powder (B) was found to possess a higher inorganic content than rice starch (A). It is believed that this information may assist in determining which nutritive factors present in rice powder (B) may be required in a completely synthetic medium.