Effect of Chloramphenicol on Bacterial Endosymbiotes in a Strain of Amoeba proteus*

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Abstract
The effect of chloramphenicol (CAP) on the bacterial endosymbiotes of a strain of A. proteus was studied by growing the symbiotic amoebae in media containing 0.5-1.6 mg/ml CAP for up to 4 wk. Treatments with CAP caused ultrastructural changes such as expansion of the nuclear zone and deformation of symbiotes. The CAP treatment damaged the mitochondria, e.g., disappearance of central and protrusion of peripheral cristae. Number of bacteria per amoeba decreased to < 10% of control in CAP-containing media, but no viable amoebae became completely free of symbiotes. Results supported previous studies that amoebae were dependent on endosymbiotes.