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Borella da Silva TC, Dos Santos DL, Rott MB. First report of free-living amoebae in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1611-1624. [PMID: 37902214 PMCID: wh_2023_261 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are amphizoic protozoans with a cosmopolitan distribution. Some strains of species are associated with infections in humans. They feed on microorganisms by phagocytosis; however, some of these can become endocytobionts by resisting this process and taking shelter inside the amoeba. The whole world is experiencing increasing shortage of water, and sewage is being reused, so the study of this environment is important in public health context. The objective of this work was to identify FLA present in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, Brazil. About 1 L samples were collected from eight stations (raw and treated sewage) in January, February, July, and August 2022. The samples were sown in monoxenic culture, and the isolated amoebae were subjected to morphological and molecular identification. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of the genus Acanthamoeba in 100% of the samples. Gene sequencing showed the presence of Acanthamoeba lenticulata and Acanthamoeba polyphaga - T5 and T4 genotypes - respectively, which are related to pathogenicity. The environment where the sewage is released can be used in recreational activities, exposing individuals to potential interactions with these amoebae and their potential endocytobionts, which may pose risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Daniel Leal Dos Santos
- Faculty of Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue, N 6681, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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2
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Marinho BTS, Santos DLD, Santos DLD, Rott MB. First report of free-living amoebae in watercourses in southern Brazil: molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of Vermamoeba vermiformis, Naegleria gruberi, and Acanthamoeba spp. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:972-980. [PMID: 37515566 PMCID: wh_2023_126 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa dispersed in different environments and are responsible for different infections caused to humans and other animals. Microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba sp., and Naegleria sp. are associated with diseases that affect the central nervous system, in addition to skin infections and keratitis, as occurs in the genus Acanthamoeba and with Vermamoeba vermiformis. Due to the concerns of these FLA in anthropogenic aquatic environments, this work aimed to identify these microorganisms present in waters of Porto Alegre, Brazil. One litre sample was collected in two watercourses during the summer of 2022 and inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates containing heat-inactivated Escherichia coli. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of FLA of the genera Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, and Naegleria in the study areas. Genetic sequencing indicated the presence of V. vermiformis and Naegleria gruberi. These aquatic and anthropogenic environments can serve as a means of spread and contamination by FLA, which gives valuable information on public health in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Teixeira Scardini Marinho
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil
| | - Daniel Leal Dos Santos
- Faculty of Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue, N 6681, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil
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3
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Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3033-3050. [PMID: 36040629 PMCID: PMC9424809 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57–50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977–2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010–2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33–62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87–45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48–55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
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Bellini NK, Thiemann OH, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Costa AO. A history of over 40 years of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba studies in Brazil - a systematic review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210373. [PMID: 35792751 PMCID: PMC9252135 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) group includes the potentially pathogenic genera Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, Sappinia, and Vermamoeba, causative agents of human infections (encephalitis, keratitis, and disseminated diseases). In Brazil, the first report on pathogenic FLA was published in the 70s and showed meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria spp. FLA studies are emerging, but no literature review is available to investigate this trend in Brazil critically. Thus, the present work aims to integrate and discuss these data. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched, retrieving studies from 1974 to 2020. The screening process resulted in 178 papers, which were clustered into core and auxiliary classes and sorted into five categories: wet-bench studies, dry-bench studies, clinical reports, environmental identifications, and literature reviews. The papers dating from the last ten years account for 75% (134/178) of the total publications, indicating the FLA topic has gained Brazilian interest. Moreover, 81% (144/178) address Acanthamoeba-related matter, revealing this genus as the most prevalent in all categories. Brazil’s Southeast, South, and Midwest geographic regions accounted for 96% (171/178) of the publications studied in the present work. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the pioneer in summarising the FLA research history in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Karla Bellini
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Otavio Henrique Thiemann
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Henker LC, Lorenzett MP, Dos Santos DL, Virginio VG, Driemeier D, Rott MB, Pavarini SP. Naegleria fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in a cow in Southern Brazil-first molecular detection of N. fowleri in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2873-2879. [PMID: 34191130 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri, a free-living and thermophilic ameba, is the etiological agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM is a rare and highly fatal neurologic disease in humans, and has been rarely documented in animal species. This report describes the pathological and etiological findings of a fatal case of N. fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in a cow in Southern Brazil. Microscopic findings were consistent with severe, multifocal, hemorrhagic, and necrosuppurative meningoencephalitis associated with a large number of amebic trophozoites compatible with N. fowleri. Brain samples subjected to molecular assays generated a 315 bp fragment, which presented 99% identity with a N. fowleri sequence previously deposited in GenBank. This is the first study reporting the molecular detection of N. fowleri in a case of cattle meningoencephalitis in Latin America, and the obtained sequence represents the first GenBank deposit of N. fowleri identified in Brazil to this day. Additionally, the case reported is the second occurrence of N. fowleri-associated disease in the same city, drawing attention to the local importance of infection by this ameba and potential risk for human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Cleber Henker
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Marina Paula Lorenzett
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Setor de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Rua Sarmento Leite, Centro Histórico, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Veridiana Gomes Virginio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Setor de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Rua Sarmento Leite, Centro Histórico, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Setor de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Rua Sarmento Leite, Centro Histórico, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
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“Feast-Fit-Fist-Feat”: Overview of Free-living Amoeba Interactions with Fungi and Virulence as a Foundation for Success in Battle. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-020-00220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bacillus megaterium-induced biocorrosion on mild steel and the effect of Artemisia pallens methanolic extract as a natural corrosion inhibitor. Arch Microbiol 2020; 202:2311-2321. [PMID: 32564100 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-01951-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Methanolic extract of Artemisia pallens (MEAP) (Asteraceae) was explored as greenbiocorrosion inhibitor for mild steel 1010 in 1.5% sodium chloride environment. Bacillus megaterium SKR7 induces the development of biofilm on the metal surface and forms the pitting corrosion. MEAP was showed (25 ppm) optimum inhibition effect of biocorrosion and further corrosion rate was highly reduced (0.3335 mm/year) than the control system (0.009 mm/year). The electrochemical study has supported the results with a higher value of total resistance (34 Ω cm2) when compared to control systems. It reveals the formation of a protective layer on the metal surface and reduces the adsorption of biofilm. This was due to the antimicrobial effect of MEAP. Overall, the results recognized that MEAP used as a green corrosion inhibitor for MS 1010 with 83% inhibition efficiency.
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Saberi R, Seifi Z, Dodangeh S, Najafi A, Abdollah Hosseini S, Anvari D, Taghipour A, Norouzi M, Niyyati M. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis on the global prevalence of
Naegleria
spp. in water sources. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2389-2402. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Azar Najafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology Paramedical Faculty Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Lorestan Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Lemos Tavares P, Carvalho Ribeiro A, Kercher Berte F, da Silva Hellwig AH, Machado Pagani D, Tavares de Souza CC, Brittes Rott M, Scroferneker ML. The interaction between Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto and Sporothrix brasiliensis with Acanthamoeba castellanii. Mycoses 2019; 63:302-307. [PMID: 31820499 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporotrichosis is a group of zoonotic subcutaneous mycoses, found worldwide and caused by fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix. Protozoans of the genus Acanthamoeba are widely distributed, and some species may be pathogenic and/or opportunistic. These organisms coexist in the same environment and may interact. OBJECTIVES This study determined the profile of interactions of S schenckii sensu stricto and S brasiliensis with A castellanii, using an in vitro co-culture model to evaluate the intrinsic characteristics of the two Sporothrix species and A castellanii. METHODS We compared the rate of phagocytosis of S schenckii sensu stricto and S brasiliensis by A castellanii; the viability of S schenckii sensu stricto and S brasiliensis after contact with A castellanii; the viability of the amoeba after contact with a fungal species; and the influence of S schenckii sensu stricto and S brasiliensis on the encystment process of A castellanii. RESULTS The analyses indicated that A castellanii phagocytised both S schenckii and S brasiliensis, with significantly more S schenckii than S brasiliensis in the first two hours of contact. Our results showed a significant increase in conidia and hyphae count after 72 hours of co-culture of A castellanii with S brasiliensis, and the amoebae lysed after they ingested the fungi, indicating that the fungi probably used the amoebae as a source of nutrition. CONCLUSIONS Our results were obtained in vitro and these organisms may not behave similarly in vivo; in vivo studies of co-infections are necessary in order to gain a thorough understanding of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Lemos Tavares
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Amanda Carvalho Ribeiro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Francisco Kercher Berte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | | | - Danielle Machado Pagani
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Carine Cristina Tavares de Souza
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil.,Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Maria Lúcia Scroferneker
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
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