Re: can amoebas grow in standing water in a dishwasher ?

Can amoebas grow in standing water in a dishwasher?

Amoeba is a single celled organism normally observed through microscope. It
moves in water from place to place with the help of finger like organelles
called the pseudopodia. The amoeba is found in stagnant water, moist moss,
etc. It feeds on other protozoans, algae, rotifers and even other smaller
amoeba. Keeping these amoebas away can be difficult. One can take care that
there is no standing water especially rain water.

The stagnant water can serve as a good medium for growth of these amoeba
provided there is bacterial, algal or nutrient material for their growth.
As mentioned the dishwasher had standing water left for around a month,
during this period the food materials provided enough nutrients for the
growth of bacteria and algae, which in turn could have supported the growth
of amoeba.
 
There is therefore a strong possibility of infection due to such a process.
It would be advisable not to use stagnant and long time stored waters. The
application of chemical agents that can keep these bacteria, algae and
amoeba away should be used. 

Its not to say 'no' to dishwasher but 'no' to infection.

Regards,
Devendra Dusane