51
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Ghaderifar S, Najafpoor AA, Zarrinfar H, Esmaily H, Hajialilo E. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba from pond water of parks in a tropical and subtropical region in the Middle East, and its relation with physicochemical parameters. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:139. [PMID: 30340522 PMCID: PMC6195741 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Free-living amoeba (FLA) are wide-spread protozoa that are found in different environmental sources including water, soil, dust, hospital units and ventilation areas. These amoebas can act as opportunistic or non-opportunistic pathogens. Among FLAs, some genera such as Acanthamoeba are important because of their potential pathogenic ability in humans. The purpose of this study is to identify of Acanthamoeba isolated from pond water of parks in a tropical and subtropical region in the Middle East, and its relation with physicochemical parameters.From August to December 2015, 90 samples were collected from pond water of parks of 13 regions of Mashhad City. Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ. After filtering, the samples were cultured on Bacto-agar enriched with Escherichia coli. PCR analysis was conducted on the culture-positive samples, and then the PCR products were sequenced. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software and Fisher’s Exact and Mann-Whitney test. Results Among the samples that were examined, 19 samples (21.1%) were positive for Acanthamoeba. The sequencing revealed that Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba. There was no significant relationship between physicochemical parameters and the presence of Acanthamoeba. Conclusion The prevalence of Acanthamoeba in pond water of parks was relatively high, but there was no significant relationship between physicochemical parameters and the presence of Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Ghaderifar
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Global Center for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Iran.
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Allergy Research Center Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Habibollah Esmaily
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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52
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Mohammed I, Said DG, Dua HS. Human antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface defense. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 61:1-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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53
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Moreno Y, Alonso JL, Ferrús MA. Detection of viable Helicobacter pylori inside free-living amoebae in wastewater and drinking water samples from Eastern Spain. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:4103-4112. [PMID: 28707344 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most concerning emerging waterborne pathogens. It has been suggested that it could survive in water inside free-living amoebae (FLA), but nobody has studied this relationship in the environment yet. Thus, we aimed to detect viable H. pylori cells from inside FLA in water samples. Sixty-nine wastewater and 31 drinking water samples were collected. FLA were purified and identified by PCR and sequencing. For exclusively detecting H. pylori inside FLA, samples were exposed to sodium hypochlorite and assayed by specific PMA-qPCR, DVC-FISH and culture. FLA were detected in 38.7% of drinking water and 79.7% of wastewater samples, even after disinfection. In wastewater, Acanthamoeba spp. and members of the family Vahlkampfiidae were identified. In drinking water, Acanthamoeba spp. and Echinamoeba and/or Vermamoeba were present. In 39 (58.2%) FLA-positive samples, H. pylori was detected by PMA-qPCR. After DVC-FISH, 21 (31.3%) samples harboured viable H. pylori internalized cells. H. pylori was cultured from 10 wastewater samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates that H. pylori can survive inside FLA in drinking water and wastewater, strongly supporting the hypothesis that FLA could play an important role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - José Luis Alonso
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - M Antonia Ferrús
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain.,Biotechnology Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
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54
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Ortillés Á, Belloc J, Rubio E, Fernández MT, Benito M, Cristóbal JÁ, Calvo B, Goñi P. In-vitro development of an effective treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 50:325-333. [PMID: 28709990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an in-vitro topical treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) effective against cysts and trophozoites. Qualitative assays were performed with voriconazole, chlorhexidine, propamidine, cellulase, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and paromomycin as monotherapy and various combinations. Riboflavin with ultraviolet-A (R + UV-A) as monotherapy or combined with voriconazole and moxifloxacin was also tested. Quantitative assays to assess cyst viability after treatment were performed for the chemicals that showed the highest activity in the qualitative assays. Paromomycin and propamidine did not show antiamoebic activity. Regardless of the total dose, no amoebicidal effect was observed for R + UV-A. Tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, voriconazole, chlorhexidine and cellulase were selected for quantitative assays because they appeared to cause greater damage to the structure of amoebae. Chlorhexidine and ciprofloxacin were the most active against Acanthamoeba spp. as monotherapy. Among the combinations evaluated, ciprofloxacin-voriconazole-chlorhexidine showed the greatest amoebicidal activity, with severe damage of the cellular membrane and an important decrease in cell concentration. In summary, ciprofloxacin as monotherapy and in combination with voriconazole and chlorhexidine has been classified as promising treatment. Additional in-vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials in patients with AK should be considered to confirm the efficacy of ciprofloxacin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Á Ortillés
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - J Belloc
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - E Rubio
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M T Fernández
- Department of Physiatry and Nursery, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M Benito
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Á Cristóbal
- Department of Ophthalmology, 'Lozano Blesa' University Clinic Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - B Calvo
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Online Biomedical Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Goñi
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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55
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Neelam S, Niederkorn JY. Pathobiology and Immunobiology of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Insights from Animal Models
. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 90:261-268. [PMID: 28656012 PMCID: PMC5482302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but sight-threatening disease caused by pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba. Despite its ubiquitous nature, the incidence of AK is relatively low compared to other forms of infectious keratitis. Although contact lens wear is a major risk factor, exposure to contaminated water and ocular trauma are also associated with AK. Once a patient develops AK the prognosis is very poor unless an aggressive treatment regimen is initiated early. Some of the intriguing features of AK are the lack of immunological memory, resistance of the dormant cyst form to treatment, differences between the pathogenic strains and soil isolates of Acanthamoeba and the unique role of the innate immune system in controlling this disease. Understanding the series of steps involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and the host immune response against Acanthamoeba antigens is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies targeting the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerry Y. Niederkorn
- To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Jerry Y. Niederkorn, Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southeastern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, Tel: 214-648-3829. Fax: 214-648-9061. .
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56
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Ak S, Eroğlu F, Nergiz Aİ, Hıyamlı F. Are soil and waterborne parasitic infections health risk for worker populations in southeast Turkey? DICLE MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.5798/dicletip.319779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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57
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Number of Bacteria and Time of Coincubation With Bacteria Required for the Development of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Cornea 2017; 36:353-357. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000001129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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58
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Müller A, Walochnik J, Wagner M, Schmitz-Esser S. A clinical Acanthamoeba isolate harboring two distinct bacterial endosymbionts. Eur J Protistol 2016; 56:21-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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59
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Nunes TET, Brazil NT, Fuentefria AM, Rott MB. Acanthamoeba and Fusarium interactions: A possible problem in keratitis. Acta Trop 2016; 157:102-7. [PMID: 26851515 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of Acanthamoeba and Fusarium species has increased in contact lens-related infectious keratitis. They share several environments and cases of co-infection have been reported. The interaction between the amoebae and other microorganisms may result in significant changes for both, like increased virulence in mammalian hosts. In this study, we evaluated the interaction of three Acanthamoeba castellanii strains with Fusarium conidia and the possible implications on keratitis. F. conidia were internalized by A. castellanii strains and were able to germinate inside the amoebae. The co-culture with the live amoebae, as well as the amoebal culture supernatant and lysate, increased the fungal growth significantly. Moreover, live F. solani and its culture supernatant enhanced the survival of amoebae, but in a different way in each amoebal strain. The encystment of the A. castellanii strain re-isolated from rat lung was increased by the fungus. These results show that A. castellanii and F. solani interaction may have an important influence on survival of both, and specially indicate a possible effect on virulence characteristics of these microorganisms. These data suggest that the A. castellanii-F. solani interaction may cause severe impacts on keratitis.
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60
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Moreno Y, Alonso JL, Ferrús MA. DVC-FISH and PMA-qPCR techniques to assess the survival of Helicobacter pylori inside Acanthamoeba castellanii. Res Microbiol 2016; 167:29-34. [PMID: 26342651 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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61
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Carnt N, Stapleton F. Strategies for the prevention of contact lens-relatedAcanthamoebakeratitis: a review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2015; 36:77-92. [DOI: 10.1111/opo.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Carnt
- Save Sight Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
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62
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José Maschio V, Corção G, Rott MB. identification of Pseudomonas spp. as amoeba-resistant microorganisms in isolates of Acanthamoeba. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015; 57:81-3. [PMID: 25651331 PMCID: PMC4325528 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a “Trojan horse” of the microbial world. The aim of
this study was to identify the presence of Pseudomonas as an
amoeba-resistant microorganism in 12 isolates of Acanthamoeba. All
isolates showed the genus Pseudomonas spp. as amoeba-resistant
microorganisms. Thus, one can see that the Acanthamoeba isolates
studied are hosts of Pseudomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius José Maschio
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gertrudes Corção
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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63
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Maschio VJ, Corção G, Bücker F, Caumo K, Rott MB. Identification of Paenibacillus as a Symbiont in Acanthamoeba. Curr Microbiol 2015; 71:415-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-015-0869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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64
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Taube MA, del Mar Cendra M, Elsahn A, Christodoulides M, Hossain P. Pattern recognition receptors in microbial keratitis. Eye (Lond) 2015; 29:1399-415. [PMID: 26160532 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a significant cause of global visual impairment and blindness. Corneal infection can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens, each of which exhibits a range of mechanisms by which the immune system is activated. The complexity of the immune response to corneal infection is only now beginning to be elucidated. Crucial to the cornea's defences are the pattern-recognition receptors: Toll-like and Nod-like receptors and the subsequent activation of inflammatory pathways. These inflammatory pathways include the inflammasome and can lead to significant tissue destruction and corneal damage, with the potential for resultant blindness. Understanding the immune mechanisms behind this tissue destruction may enable improved identification of therapeutic targets to aid development of more specific therapies for reducing corneal damage in infectious keratitis. This review summarises current knowledge of pattern-recognition receptors and their downstream pathways in response to the major keratitis-causing organisms and alludes to potential therapeutic approaches that could alleviate corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-A Taube
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - M del Mar Cendra
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Elsahn
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - M Christodoulides
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - P Hossain
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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65
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Isolation of Vermamoeba vermiformis and associated bacteria in hospital water. Microb Pathog 2015; 80:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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66
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NIYYATI M, MAFI M, HAGHIGHI A, HAKEMI VALA M. Occurrence of Potentially Pathogenic Bacterial-Endosymbionts in Acanthamoeba Spp. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:181-8. [PMID: 26246815 PMCID: PMC4522293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba- bacteria interactions enable pathogenic bacteria to tolerate harsh conditions and lead to transmission to the susceptible host. The present study was aimed to address the presence of bacterial endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba isolated from recreational water sources of Tehran, Iran. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding occurrence of bacteria in environmental Acanthamoeba spp. in Iran. METHODS A total of 75 samples of recreational water sources were collected. Samples were cultured on non- nutrient agar 1.5% plates. Positive Acanthamoeba spp. were axenically grown. DNA extraction and PCR reaction was performed using JDP1-2 primers. All positive samples of Acanthamoeba were examined for the presence of endosymbionts using staining and molecular methods. The PCR products were then sequenced in order to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba and bacteria genera. RESULTS Out of 75 samples, 16 (21.3%) plates were positive for Acanthamoeba according to the morphological criteria. Molecular analysis revealed that Acanthamoeba belonged to T4 and T5 genotypes. Five isolates (35.7%) were positive for bacterial endosymbionts using staining method and PCR test. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Agrobacterium tumefasiens. CONCLUSION The presence of Acanthamoeba bearing pathogenic endosymbionts in water sources leads us to public health issues including improved sanitation and decontamination measures in recreational water sources in order to prevent amoebae-related infection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report regarding the isolation of A. tumefasiens from Acanthamoeba in Iran and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam NIYYATI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Mahyar MAFI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali HAGHIGHI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh HAKEMI VALA
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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67
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Hong J, Ji J, Xu J, Cao W, Liu Z, Sun X. An unusual case of Acanthamoeba Polyphaga and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa keratitis. Diagn Pathol 2014; 9:105. [PMID: 24894486 PMCID: PMC4051961 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-9-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5168343391150859 A 56-year-old woman with a history of disposable soft contact lens wear was referred to our university eye center for a corneal ulcer. Based on the microbial culture, the initial diagnosis was bacterial keratitis, which was unresponsive to topical fortified antibiotics. The patient was then examined using in vivo confocal microscopy, which revealed Acanthamoeba infection. This case emphasizes the need to suspect Acanthamoeba infection in soft contact lens wearers who present with progressive ulcerative keratitis or progressively worsening corneal ulcers that are not responsive to the usual antimicrobial therapy. It is also important to consider the possibility of a coinfection with bacterial and Acanthamoeba species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianjiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, School of Shanghai Medicine, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
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68
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69
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Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates associated with keratitis. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3807-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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70
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Pearlman E, Sun Y, Roy S, Karmakar M, Hise AG, Szczotka-Flynn L, Ghannoum M, Chinnery HR, McMenamin PG, Rietsch A. Host defense at the ocular surface. Int Rev Immunol 2013; 32:4-18. [PMID: 23360155 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2012.749400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial infections of the cornea frequently cause painful, blinding and debilitating disease that is often difficult to treat and may require corneal transplantation. In addition, sterile corneal infiltrates that are associated with contact lens wear cause pain, visual impairment and photophobia. In this article, we review the role of Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) in bacterial keratitis and sterile corneal infiltrates, and describe the role of MD-2 regulation in LPS responsiveness by corneal epithelial cells. We conclude that both live bacteria and bacterial products activate Toll-Like Receptors in the cornea, which leads to chemokine production and neutrophil recruitment to the corneal stroma. While neutrophils are essential for bacterial killing, they also cause tissue damage that results in loss of corneal clarity. These disparate outcomes, therefore, represent a spectrum of disease severity based on this pathway, and further indicate that targeting the TLR pathway is a feasible approach to treating inflammation caused by live bacteria and microbial products. Further, as the P. aeruginosa type III secretion system (T3SS) also plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis by inducing neutrophil apoptosis and facilitating bacterial growth in the cornea, T3SS exotoxins are additional targets for therapy for P. aeruginosa keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Pearlman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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71
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Garcia A, Goñi P, Cieloszyk J, Fernandez MT, Calvo-Beguería L, Rubio E, Fillat MF, Peleato ML, Clavel A. Identification of free-living amoebae and amoeba-associated bacteria from reservoirs and water treatment plants by molecular techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:3132-3140. [PMID: 23444840 DOI: 10.1021/es400160k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) was investigated in 83 water samples from reservoirs and water treatment plants, with culture positive in 64 of them (77.1%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of partial 18S rRNA gene and ITS region was performed in order to identify amoeba isolates, and the presence of Legionella pneumophila , Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Microcystis aeruginosa was investigated in 43 isolates of amoebae by multiplex PCR. Of the isolated amoebae, 31 were Acanthamoeba spp., 21 were Hartmannella vermiformis, 13 were Naegleria spp., and one was Vanella spp. T2, T4, and T5 genotypes of Acanthamoeba have been identified, and T4 isolates were grouped into five subgenotypes and graphically represented with a Weblog application. Inside amoebae, L. pneumophila was detected in 13.9% (6/43) of the isolates, and Pseudomonas spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were detected in 32.6% (14/43) and 41.9% (18/43), respectively. No statistical correlation was demonstrated between FLA isolation and seasonality, but the presence of intracellular bacteria was associated with warm water temperatures, and also the intracellular presence of Mycobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were associated. These results highlight the importance of amoebae in natural waters as reservoirs of potential pathogens and its possible role in the spread of bacterial genera with interest in public and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Garcia
- Area of Parasitology and §Area of Biomedicine and Public Health Biostatistics, Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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72
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Cooccurrence of free-living amoebae and nontuberculous Mycobacteria in hospital water networks, and preferential growth of Mycobacterium avium in Acanthamoeba lenticulata. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:3185-92. [PMID: 23475613 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03823-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of lung and other diseases due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasing. NTM sources include potable water, especially in households where NTM populate pipes, taps, and showerheads. NTM share habitats with free-living amoebae (FLA) and can grow in FLA as parasites or as endosymbionts. FLA containing NTM may form cysts that protect mycobacteria from disinfectants and antibiotics. We first assessed the presence of FLA and NTM in water and biofilm samples collected from a hospital, confirming the high prevalence of NTM and FLA in potable water systems, particularly in biofilms. Acanthamoeba spp. (genotype T4) were mainly recovered (8/17), followed by Hartmannella vermiformis (7/17) as well as one isolate closely related to the genus Flamella and one isolate only distantly related to previously described species. Concerning mycobacteria, Mycobacterium gordonae was the most frequently found isolate (9/17), followed by Mycobacterium peregrinum (4/17), Mycobacterium chelonae (2/17), Mycobacterium mucogenicum (1/17), and Mycobacterium avium (1/17). The propensity of Mycobacterium avium hospital isolate H87 and M. avium collection strain 104 to survive and replicate within various FLA was also evaluated, demonstrating survival of both strains in all amoebal species tested but high replication rates only in Acanthamoeba lenticulata. As A. lenticulata was frequently recovered from environmental samples, including drinking water samples, these results could have important consequences for the ecology of M. avium in drinking water networks and the epidemiology of disease due to this species.
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73
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Calvo L, Gregorio I, García A, Fernández MT, Goñi P, Clavel A, Peleato ML, Fillat MF. A new pentaplex-nested PCR to detect five pathogenic bacteria in free living amoebae. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:493-502. [PMID: 23168310 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Changes in water use and anthropogenic activity have major impacts on the quality of natural aquatic ecosystems, water distribution and wastewater plants. One of the main problems is the presence of some pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to disinfection procedures when they are hosted by free living amoeba and that in many cases are hardly detectable by culture-based procedures. In this work we report a sensitive, low-cost procedure consisting of a pentaplex-nested PCR that allows simultaneous detection of Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., Vibrio cholerae and the microcystin-producing cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. The method has been used to detect the presence of these pathogenic bacteria in water and inside free living amoeba. Its validation in 72 samples obtained from different water sources from Aragon (Spain) evidences that Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas spp are prevailing as amoeba-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Calvo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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74
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Glöckner G, Noegel AA. Comparative genomics in the Amoebozoa clade. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2012; 88:215-25. [PMID: 23134060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2012.00248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amoeboid life forms can be found throughout the evolutionary tree. The greatest proportion of these life forms is found in the Amoebozoa clade, one of the six major eukaryote evolutionary branches. Despite its common origin this clade exhibits a wide diversity of lifestyles including free-living and parasitic species and species with multicellular and multinucleate life stages. In this group, development, cooperation, and social behaviour can be studied in addition to traits common to unicellular organisms. To date, only a few Amoebozoa genomes have been sequenced completely, however a number of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and complete and draft genomes have become available recently for several species that represent some of the major evolutionary lineages in this clade. This resource allows us to compare and analyse the evolutionary history and fate of branch-specific genes if properly exploited. Despite the large evolutionary time scale since the emergence of the major groups the genomic organization in Amoebozoa has retained common features. The number of Amoebozoa-specific genetic inventions seems to be rather small. The emergence of subgroups is accompanied by gene and domain losses and acquisitions of bacterial gene material. The sophisticated developmental cycles of Myxogastria and Dictyosteliida likely have a common origin and are deeply rooted in amoebozoan evolution. In this review we describe initial approaches to comparative genomics in Amoebozoa, summarize recent findings, and identify goals for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Glöckner
- Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, IGB, Müggelseedamm 301, Berlin, D-12587, Germany.
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75
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Makdoumi K, Bäckman A, Mortensen J, Magnuson A, Crafoord S. Comparison of UVA- and UVA/riboflavin-induced growth inhibition of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012; 251:509-14. [PMID: 23079692 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-012-2176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether ultraviolet light (UVA) at 365 nm can inhibit/eliminate Acanthamoeba growth and if riboflavin would potentiate such an association. METHODS Acanthamoeba castellanii in a fluid medium with a concentration of approximately 1.7 × 10(4) protozoa/ml were prepared with (0.01 %) and without riboflavin. Exposure of UVA (dose 5.475 J/cm(2)) took place twice, with each illumination period followed by culturing of 10 μl in peptone yeast-extract glucose (PYG) medium for 7 days. Every suspension prepared had a non-exposed control solution. Determination of Acanthamoeba was conducted daily, by count in Burker chamber days 4 through 7 after exposure. Statistical analysis was done by repeated-measurement ANOVA and post-hoc analysis for unpaired samples. RESULTS The exposure of ultraviolet light resulted in an inhibited growth of Acanthamoeba compared to the non-exposed solutions, with a statistically significant reduction over time (p = 0.0003). The addition of riboflavin did not amplify the effect, and there were no tendencies for an interaction effect between UVA and riboflavin. CONCLUSIONS The antiprotozoal effect of the UVA wavelength, utilized in CXL, is solely mediated by ultraviolet light, and riboflavin does not seem to amplify the antimicrobial efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Makdoumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Örebro University Hospital, 701 85, Örebro, Sweden.
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76
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Hartley MA, Ronet C, Fasel N. Backseat drivers: the hidden influence of microbial viruses on disease. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:538-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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77
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Functional expression and characterization of an iron-containing superoxide dismutase of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1673-82. [PMID: 22752747 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae, but opportunistic infections of some strains of the organisms cause severe diseases such as acanthamoebic keratitis, pneumonitis, and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in human. In this study, we identified a gene encoding iron superoxide dismutase of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AcFe-SOD) and characterized biochemical and functional properties of the recombinant enzyme. Multiple sequence alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence of AcFe-SOD with those of previously reported iron-containing SODs (Fe-SODs) from other protozoan parasites showed that AcFe-SOD shared common metal-binding residues and motifs that are conserved in Fe-SODs. The genomic length of the AcFe-SOD gene was 926 bp consisting of five exons interrupted by four introns. The recombinant AcFe-SOD showed similar biochemical characteristics with its native enzyme and shared typical biochemical properties with other characterized Fe-SODs, including molecular structure, broad pH optimum, and sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. Immunolocalization analysis revealed that the enzyme localized in the cytosol of the trophozoites. Activity and expression level of the enzyme were significantly increased under oxidative stressed conditions. These results collectively suggest that AcFe-SOD may play essential roles in the survival of the parasite not only by protecting itself from endogenous oxidative stress but also by detoxifying oxidative killing of the parasite by host immune effector cells.
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78
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Tu EY, Joslin CE. Microsporidia and Acanthamoeba: the role of emerging corneal pathogens. Eye (Lond) 2012; 26:222-7. [PMID: 22173072 PMCID: PMC3272212 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic organisms are increasingly recognized as human corneal pathogens. A notable increase in both well-defined Acanthamoeba keratitis and a more dramatic increase in reported cases of Microsporidia keratitis have suggested significant outbreaks of parasitic keratitis around the world. Historical and contemporary baselines as well as a familiar associated clinical presentation reinforce the significant outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis in the United States. The remarkable rise in cases of Microsporidia keratitis, however, lacks these established baselines and, further, describes a disease that is inconsistent with previous definitions of disease. While a well-defined, abrupt increase strongly suggests temporally related risk factors, most likely environmental, involved in the Acanthamoeba outbreak, the rise in Microsporidia keratitis suggests that increased awareness and improved diagnostic acumen are a significant factor in case ascertainment. Regardless, recent evidence indicates that both parasitic diseases are likely underreported in various forms of infectious keratitis, which may have unrecognized but significant implications in the pathogenesis of both primary protozoal and polymicrobial keratitis. Further understanding of the incidence and interaction of these organisms with current therapeutic regimens and more commonly recognized pathogens should significantly improve diagnosis and alter clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Y Tu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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79
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Coulon C, Eterpi M, Greub G, Collignon A, McDonnell G, Thomas V. Amoebal host range, host-free survival and disinfection susceptibility of environmental Chlamydiae as compared to Chlamydia trachomatis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:364-73. [PMID: 22141597 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00919.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The term 'Chlamydia-like organisms' encompasses obligate intracellular bacterial species phylogenetically close to Chlamydiaceae. Most are associated with free-living amoebae, and several could be responsible for respiratory tract infections and abortion in human and animals. Despite increasing concern about their pathogenic role, the prevalence, biodiversity and ecology of Chlamydia-related bacteria still remain largely unknown. In this study, six members of the Chlamydiales were tested, including Parachlamydia acanthamoebae (two different strains), Protochlamydia naegleriophila, Waddlia chondrophila, Criblamydia sequanensis and Chlamydia trachomatis as a reference. Intracellular growth was tested in 11 different Acanthamoeba strains, demonstrating significant differences in host susceptibilities to infection depending on strains investigated. Survival of host-free bacteria in suspension or dried onto surfaces was also explored, demonstrating that Chlamydia-like organisms present better survival capacity than C. trachomatis. Longer survival times were observed for bacteria suspended in rich culture medium, with survivors being detected after 10 weeks incubation. We also tested susceptibility of host-free Chlamydia-like organisms to several disinfection treatments. Each chemical biocide tested reduced viability of host-free Chlamydia by more than 4 logs. Conversely, all Chlamydia-like organisms tested resisted exposure at 55 °C for 10 min, while C. trachomatis was completely inactivated.
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González-Robles A, Salazar-Villatoro L, González-Lázaro M, Omaña-Molina M, Martínez-Palomo A. Vahlkampfia sp: Structural observations of cultured trophozoites. Exp Parasitol 2012; 130:86-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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81
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Dong Q, Brulc JM, Iovieno A, Bates B, Garoutte A, Miller D, Revanna KV, Gao X, Antonopoulos DA, Slepak VZ, Shestopalov VI. Diversity of bacteria at healthy human conjunctiva. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:5408-13. [PMID: 21571682 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular surface (OS) microbiota contributes to infectious and autoimmune diseases of the eye. Comprehensive analysis of microbial diversity at the OS has been impossible because of the limitations of conventional cultivation techniques. This pilot study aimed to explore true diversity of human OS microbiota using DNA sequencing-based detection and identification of bacteria. METHODS Composition of the bacterial community was characterized using deep sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries generated from total conjunctival swab DNA. The DNA sequences were classified and the diversity parameters measured using bioinformatics software ESPRIT and MOTHUR and tools available through the Ribosomal Database Project-II (RDP-II). RESULTS Deep sequencing of conjunctival rDNA from four subjects yielded a total of 115,003 quality DNA reads, corresponding to 221 species-level phylotypes per subject. The combined bacterial community classified into 5 phyla and 59 distinct genera. However, 31% of all DNA reads belonged to unclassified or novel bacteria. The intersubject variability of individual OS microbiomes was very significant. Regardless, 12 genera-Pseudomonas, Propionibacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Corynebacterium, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Staphylococci, Aquabacterium, Sphingomonas, Streptococcus, Streptophyta, and Methylobacterium-were ubiquitous among the analyzed cohort and represented the putative "core" of conjunctival microbiota. The other 47 genera accounted for <4% of the classified portion of this microbiome. Unexpectedly, healthy conjunctiva contained many genera that are commonly identified as ocular surface pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The first DNA sequencing-based survey of bacterial population at the conjunctiva have revealed an unexpectedly diverse microbial community. All analyzed samples contained ubiquitous (core) genera that included commensal, environmental, and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunfeng Dong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
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Is Acanthamoeba pathogenicity associated with intracellular bacteria? Exp Parasitol 2011; 129:207-10. [PMID: 21777587 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the possible role of Acanthamoeba as an evolutionary precursor of pathogenicity in microbial pathogens, it has been suggested that intracellular bacteria or other microbial endosymbionts may also enhance the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba. Using transmission electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction and simple culturing, our findings did not reveal any apparent evidence of microbial presence intracellularly of a recently recovered clinical isolate of Acanthamoeba. Based on these findings, it is tempting to speculate that the virulence of Acanthamoeba may not be attributed to the pathogenicity of the endosymbiont alone.
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