The occurrence and distribution of pathogenic free‐living amoebae in thermal areas of the North Island of New Zealand

Abstract A sample survey of 9 thermal pools or streams in 3 Health Districts of the North Island of New Zealand was made over a 15‐month period to determine the presence or absence of pathogenic free‐living amoeba (PFLA) of the genera Naegleria and Acanthamoeba. Concurrent chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of the pools were made. Naegleria and Acanthamoeba were isolated in the Rotorua and Hamilton Health Districts but not in the Gisborne Health District. Most PFLA were isolated from water with a high coliform content or soil contamination.