Concanavalin A-Induced Agglutination of Naegleria

Abstract
Concanavalin A (Con A) agglutinated all Naegleria gruberi strains tested but did not agglutinate any N. fowleri strains tested. Agglutination was time and temperature dependent and Con A concentration and ameba concentration dependent over certain ranges. Agglutination increased to maximum up to 1 h incubation with Con A. At least 1 × 106 amebae/ml were needed for maximum agglutination, and Con A concentrations higher than 100 µg/ml did not appreciably increase agglutination. Incubation at 4°C or with 10 mM α-methyl-D-mannoside inhibited agglutination of N. gruberi. These data indicate a difference in polysaccharide structure of cell membranes of N. fowleri and N. gruberi.

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