Chemically defined media for cultivation of Naegleria gruberi

Cultivation of amebae of the axenic strain of Naegleria gruberi, NEG-M, was achieved in media consisting entirely of chemically defined components. A complete medium that contains 31 components allows growth with yields up to 5 x 10(6) amebae per ml. A minimal medium gives lower yields but defines 22 components that are essential for continuous cultivation: 11 amino acids, 6 vitamins, hematin, guanosine, D-glucose, Mg(2+), and inorganic phosphate. These media allow precise studies of the metabolism and differentiation of this unusual eukaryote.