The Prolongation of the Viability of Cultures of E. histolytica by the Addition of Streptomycin

Abstract

The action of streptomycin on trophozoites of Endamoeba histolytica cultured on Endameba medium (Difco) was studied. Addition of 1000-3000 U./ml. to the horse serum-normal saline (1:6) overlay at the time of inoculation of the culture tubes with trophozoites was followed by good growth of the cultures. Survival of trophozoites was prolonged by streptomycin from an average of 8 days (30 controls) to 33.7 days (26 cultures containing streptomycin). Streptomycin inhibited bacterial growth but did not sterilize the cultures.