Thermophilic and Pathogenic Amoebae From Hot Springs in Wyoming

Abstract

The long range goal of this research is to document the occurrence of pathogenic amoebae in thermal habitats that have been altered or disturbed by human activity. Immediate goals for this year included the development of reliable methods of detection for use in the field, the determination of the incidence and prevalence of thermophilic Naegleria in selected hot springs of Wyoming, and the investigation of potential natural sources of Naegleria. In addition, we initiated a cooperative project with Dr. A. J. Pinter to document the endoparasites of small mammals of the Grand Teton National Park.