Survival of Coxiella burnetii within free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether Coxiella burnetti is able to survive within free-living ameoba. Methods. When C. burnetii was co-cultivated with the free-living amoeba species. Acanthamoeba castellanii. Results. Viable bacteria were detected for 18 days. Microscopic studies confirmed the presence of bacteria within vacuoles, some of which appeared to be spore-like forms. Conclusion. These results indicate that free-living amoebae could provide an intracellular niche for the spore formation and survival of C. burnetii in the environment.