[Studies on the continuous culture and pathogenicity of Entamoeba gingivalis].
OBJECTIVE
To establish a method for continuous culture of Entamoeba gingivalis (E. g.) and study the pathogenicity of E. g..


METHODS
The culture conditions of E. g. were compared by observing its growth and reproduction. The pathogenicity of E. g. was studied by investigating its infection rate in humans and observing the relationship between E. g. infection and periodontal abscess in rats and the in vitro effect of some drugs.


RESULTS
The optimal culture condition of E. g. was modified LES medium containing Locke's solution with 20% bovine serum, penicillin, streptomycin and rice starch. Reproduction of E. g. peaked at the fourth day of incubatoin, E. g. could live continuously for 120 to 168 h. The infection rate of E. g. was higher in patients with periondontal diseases than in healthy groups. The animal test showed that E. g. could cause periondontal abscess in rats. The levels of acid phosphatase and MDA were higher in patients with E. g.-positive periondontal disease than in healthy individuals. Metronidazole and SBF are effective against E. g..


CONCLUSIONS
E. g. could grow very well in modified LES medium, and cause periondontal abscess in patients with low immunity.
Chen
J F
JF
Department of Parasitology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004.
Liu
G Y
GY
Wen
W R
WR
Chen
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003470:Culture Media; D004747:Entamoeba / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010508:Periodontal Abscess / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D051381:Rats
D003470:Culture Media