Balamuthia mandrillaris: staining properties of cysts and trophozoites and the effect of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile and calcofluor white on encystment.

Abstract

Here, we determined the staining properties of Balamuthia mandrillaris cysts, and assessed the effect of 2, 6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB), a cellulose synthesis inhibitor, and calcofluor white, a brightening agent, on its encystment. Periodic acid-Schiff reagent stained the inner wall intensely and middle and outer walls weakly suggesting that the cyst wall of B. mandrillaris may contain glycans. Furthermore, cysts, but not trophozoites, fluoresced when stained with calcofluor white. Calcofluor white and DCB, a cellulose synthesis inhibitor, inhibited B. mandrillaris encystment. This is the first report suggesting possible glycan biosynthesis in B. mandrillaris encystment, and this pathwaymay provide a potentially useful drug target and help improve treatment.

• Authors: Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Edward L Jarroll, Naveed A Khan
• Journal: The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology (J Eukaryot Microbiol) 2009 Mar-Apr Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 136-41 ISSN: 1550-7408 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21462548 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Benzenesulfonates
• Nitriles
• C.I. Fluorescent Brightening Agent 28
• dichlobanil

Topics

• Amebiasis (drug therapy)
• Animals
• Benzenesulfonates (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Brain (parasitology)
• Cell Wall (chemistry, ultrastructure)
• Encephalitis (drug therapy)
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• Humans
• Life Cycle Stages (drug effects)
• Lobosea (chemistry, drug effects, growth & development, ultrastructure)
• Mandrillus (parasitology)
• Nitriles (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction
• Staining and Labeling (methods)
• Trophozoites (drug effects)