Blastocystis hominis requires concomitant growth of bacteria for its own growth. A few strains have been successfully grown in the absence of live bacteria (axenic growth) after a period of adaptation, with heavy antibiotic presence to gradually eliminate the bacterial species. But this is rare. Most attempts at axenization are unsuccessful. B. hominis does not usually ingest bacteria for food, but depends on metabolites generated by bacteria.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Clinical Center (CLC)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01CL010175-02
Application #
3874357
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Clinical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code