title: A simple method for long-term storage of Acanthamoeba species.
abstract: We present a novel and simple technique for storing live Acanthamoeba for long periods of time. The amoebae are maintained at refrigerator temperatures in a peptone-yeast extract-glucose (PYG) medium normally used for cultivation. Using this method, we obtained survival rates of at least 4 years for Acanthamoeba polyphaga and 3 years for Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba rhysodes. Advantages of this storage method are: (1) it is quick and simple, (2) inexpensive, (3) does not require encystment before storage, (4) resuscitation of cysts can be achieved within a week of culture in PYG medium at 27 degrees C, and does not require co-culture with bacteria or any special equipment.
authors.affiliation: Section for Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology, University of Kalmar, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden. diana.axelsson-olsson@hik.se
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Axelsson-Olsson
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Olofsson
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ellström
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waldenström
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Olsen
mesh_terms: D000048:Acanthamoeba / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D048248:Acanthamoeba castellanii / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D003470:Culture Media; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D012034:Refrigeration; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media