The Nature of a Cytopathogenic Material Present in Amebae of the genus Naegleria *

Abstract

The Naegleria ameba cytopathogenic material (NACM) obtained from freeliving and/or pathogenic amebae has been partially isolated and characterized. The evidence indicates that the material is a protein or has a protein component, and is in the estimated molecular weight range of 50,000 daltons. The partially isolated NACM, like its counterpart in the amebic lysates, is capable of sustaining itself in tissue cultures at a temperature which otherwise would inactivate it, and in serial passages through multiple dilutions. No distinctions between the NACMs from amebae of different Naegleria species or strains have been found in the biological response to the various treatments studied.