Temperature-Dependent Parasitic Relationship between <i>Legionella pneumophila</i> and a Free-Living Amoeba ( <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> )

Abstract

We analyzed the effects of temperature on the interaction of Legionella pneumophila with Acanthamoeba castellanii. At <20 degrees C, overexpression of type 1 metacaspase, a stimulator of A. castellanii encystation, was associated with a reduced number of bacteria within amoeba. At low temperatures, A. castellanii seems to eliminate L. pneumophila by encystation and digestion.