The development of improved methods for the identification and isolation of the emerging human pathogenic free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a medically important free-living amoeba (FLA) causing usually fatal infections of the brain and other organs. Both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons can become infected. Unlike other FLA, B. mandrillaris cannot be easily cultured from clinical and environmental samples. As such, the incidence of infection and environmental sources of this emerging pathogen are largely unknown. The project will develop improved methods for the isolation and identification of B. mandrillaris from the environment and clinical material. Monoclonal antibodies to the trophozoite and cyst stage of the organism will be produced, characterised and used in the development of immunoassays. PCR assays will also be developed for diagnostic use and in the direct detection of the organism in environmental samples. Attempts will be made to develop improved primary culture isolation methods, particularly from diverse environmental samples worldwide to increase understanding of the ecology and genetic diversity of the organism. This will be a joint project with Dr Wayne Heaselgrave, University of Worcester and Dr Simon Kilvington, University of Leicester.

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