A method for microbial decontamination ofAcanthamoeba cultures using the peritoneal cavity of mice

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate whether the inoculation of contaminated cultures in the peritoneal cavity of mice could implement decontamination ofAcanthamoeba cultures. Methods: Suspensions ofAcanthamoeba,Acanthamoeba polyphagaATCC30461, or Acanthamoeba spp. isolated from soil (UnB13 strain) were inoculated in the peritoneal cavity of Swiss mice (n = 24). After 1, 6, 12, or 24 h of exposure the peritoneal cavity was washed and assessed for the presence of bacteria, fungi, andAcanthamoeba. Results: After 1 h of intraperitoneal inoculation at least 97% of the bacteria and 96% of the fungi (P Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that this technique has great potential for decontamination ofAcanthamoeba cultures in a short period of time.