Naegleria

Naegleria
Different stages of Naegleria fowleri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Phylum: Percolozoa
Class: Heterolobosea
Order: Schizopyrenida
Family: Vahlkampfiidae
Genus: Naegleria

Naegleria /nɛˈɡlɪəriə/ is a genus consisting of 47 described species of protozoa often found in warm aquatic environments as well as soil habitats worldwide.[1] It has three life cycle forms: the amoeboid stage, the cyst stage, and the flagellated stage, and has been routinely studied for its ease in change from amoeboid to flagellated stages.[1] The Naegleria genera became famous when Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of the usually fatal human and animal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), was discovered in 1965.[1] Most species in the genus, however, are incapable of causing disease.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d De Jonckheere, Johan (2002). "A Century of Research on the Amoeboflagellate Genus Naegleria". Acta Protozoologica. 41: 309–342.