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Corsaro D, Mrva M, Colson P, Walochnik J. Validation and redescription of Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964 (Amoebozoa: Acanthamoebidae). Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126091. [PMID: 38772052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii (Douglas, 1930) Page, 1967 is the type species of a widespread genus of free-living amoebae, potentially pathogenic for humans and animals. The Neff strain is one of the most widely used in biological research, serving as a model for both A. castellanii and the whole genus in general. The Neff strain, isolated in California, closely resembles another strain found in France and originally described as a separate species, Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964, but both were successively synonymized with A. castellanii. Molecular sequence analysis has largely replaced morphological diagnosis for species identification in Acanthamoeba, and rDNA phylogenies show that the Neff strain forms a distinct lineage from that of the type strain of A. castellanii. In this study, we compared the type strain of A. terricola with the Neff strain and A. castellanii, and analysed the available molecular data including new sequences obtained from A. terricola. Here we provide molecular evidence to validate the species A. terricola. The Neff strain is therefore transferred to A. terricola and should no longer be considered as belonging to A. castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS - 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Martin Mrva
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Philippe Colson
- Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1095 Vienna, Austria
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Lee S, Alkathiri B, Jung JS, Kang N, Hwang J, Park SE, Hong Y, Park KM, Lee SH. Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2024; 62:139-144. [PMID: 38443777 PMCID: PMC10915269 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba infection is associated with keratitis in humans; however, its association with keratitis in dogs remains unclear. To investigate this possibility, we collected 171 conjunctival swab samples from dogs with eye-related diseases (65 with keratitis and 106 without keratitis) at Chungbuk National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Korea, from August 2021 to September 2022. Polymerase chain reaction identified 9 samples (5.3%) as Acanthamoeba positive; of these, 3 were from dogs with keratitis (4.6%) and 6 were from dogs without keratitis (5.7%). Our results indicated no significant association between Acanthamoeba infection and keratitis, season, sex, or age. All Acanthamoeba organisms found in this study had the genotype T4, according to 18S ribosomal RNA analysis. Acanthamoeba infection in dogs might have only a limited association with keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Badriah Alkathiri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Ji Seung Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Nanyoung Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Jiyi Hwang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944,
Korea
| | - Kyung-Mee Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
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Karimi A, Kheirandish F, Javadi Mamaghani A, Taghipour N, Mousavi SF, Aghajani A, Zebardast N, Faraji M, Fallahi S. Identification and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. in the water resources of western Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 22:e00308. [PMID: 37638113 PMCID: PMC10450349 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. is opportunistic amoeba that resides in water, soil, and air. Some pathogenic genotypes of the genus of Acanthamoeba can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in people with a defective immune system. The parasite can also cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) among contact lens users. This study was conducted to isolate and identify the Acanthamoeba genotypes in water resources in Lorestan province, western Iran. Methods Collected 72 water samples from surface and groundwater (springs and aqueducts) in Lorestan province. Samples were filtered and cultured in non-nutrient 1.5% agar medium covered with Escherichia coli (E. coli) at 25 °C. DNA extraction was done and the PCR reaction was performed to detect the Acanthamoeba spp. The positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba. Results Out of 72 examined water samples, 23.61% were positive for Acanthamoeba sp. by PCR. From PCR-positive samples, 8 (47.05%) samples were T4 genotypes and others were other Acanthamoeba genotypes (T1-T23). Therefore, approximately half of the genotypes belong to the pathogenic T4 genotype. Conclusions The water examined samples in western provinces of Iran have the potential risk factor for public health. Therefore, the efforts of healthcare providers are needed to identify, train, and prevention from human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Niloofar Taghipour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Syedeh Fatemeh Mousavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ali Aghajani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, faculty of medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Nozhat Zebardast
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Majid Faraji
- MSc in Parasitology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Corsaro D, Venditti D. Molecular evidence for a new lineage within the Acanthamoeba T4 genotype. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1445-1450. [PMID: 37046026 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07844-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a widespread free-living amoeba capable of causing serious infections in humans and other animals, such as amoebic keratitis, disseminated infections, and fatal encephalitis. Strain identification is usually based on 18S rDNA sequencing, which allows the distinction of over twenty genotypes. Most sequences from environmental and clinical samples belong to the T4 genotype, which can be divided into seven subtypes, T4A to T4G, and by a nearly similar grouping of mitochondrial sequences into T4a to T4j subtypes. The co-clustering of nuclear and mitochondrial groups can be very useful for a better identification of lineages within the very rich T4 genotype. In this study, we provided molecular phylogenetic evidence for the delineation of a new nuclear subtype, hereafter labelled T4H, and its co-clustering with the mitochondrial T4j subtype. At least three cases of amoebic keratitis are due to strains belonging to this new group, present mainly in fresh water and detected in various countries (France, Iran, India and China).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS, 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Danielle Venditti
- CHLAREAS, 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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The Status of Molecular Analyses of Isolates of Acanthamoeba Maintained by International Culture Collections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020295. [PMID: 36838260 PMCID: PMC9961329 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is among the most ubiquitous protistan groups in nature. Knowledge of the biological diversity of Acanthamoeba comes in part from the use of strains maintained by the major microbial culture collections, ATCC and CCAP. Standard strains are vital to ensure the comparability of research. The diversity of standard strains of Acanthamoeba in the culture collections is reviewed, emphasizing the extent of genotypic studies based on DNA sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA from the nucleus (18S rRNA gene; Rns) or the mitochondria (16S-like rRNA gene; rns). Over 170 different strains have been maintained at some time by culture centers. DNA sequence information is available for more than 70% of these strains. Determination of the genotypic classification of standard strains within the genus indicates that frequencies of types within culture collections only roughly mirror that from clinical or environmental studies, with significant differences in the frequency of some genotypes. Culture collections include the type of isolate from almost all named species of Acanthamoeba, allowing an evaluation of the validity of species designations. Multiple species are found to share the same Sequence Type, while multiple Sequence Types have been identified for different strains that share the same species name. Issues of sequence reliability and the possibility that a small number of standard strains have been mislabeled when studied are also examined, leading to potential problems for comparative analyses. It is important that all species have reliable genotype designations. The culture collections should be encouraged to assist in completing the molecular inventory of standard strains, while workers in the Acanthamoeba research community should endeavor to ensure that strains representative of genotypes that are missing from the culture collection are provided to the culture centers for preservation.
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Deserti MI, Lorenzo-Morales J, Acuña FH. Hydra-Amoeba system: a double infection with a lethal ending. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20211025. [PMID: 37162082 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320211025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Within each ecosystem, organisms and populations maintain a complex set of relationships. These interactions can determine the distribution area of a species and play an essential role in its evolution. Parasites are ubiquitous components of nature and have a high influence on various aspects of the biology and ecology of organisms, affecting the populations of their hosts and, therefore, their communities and ecosystems. Free-living amoebae are unicellular organisms that can be found in water, soil or air. Some species are of great importance in human health. In Hydra, there are several reports of Hydramoeba hydroxena infections. In this work we present a double parasitosis: two concatenated infectious periods in the host polyp of Hydra vulgaris and Hydra vulgaris pedunculata for three freshwater bodies in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hydramoeba sp. and Acanthoamoeba sp. unchain a series of anatomical lesions that in all cases cause the death of the polyps due to total disintegration. This finding becomes important at a sanitary level due to the appearance of Acanthoamoeba sp. in waters associated with human recreational activities; For the Hydra genus, the importance lies at an ecological and evolutionary level, considering the possible impact on its natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Deserti
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, 2° Piso, Mar del Plata, 7600 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n, Campus de Anchieta, Apartado 456, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11 Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabián H Acuña
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, 2° Piso, Mar del Plata, 7600 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Estación Científica Coiba (Coiba-AIP), Calle Gustavo Lara, Edificio 145B, 7144 Clayton, Panamá
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Corsaro D. Acanthamoeba Mannose and Laminin Binding Proteins Variation across Species and Genotypes. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2162. [PMID: 36363753 PMCID: PMC9692275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous free-living amoeba capable of being an opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals. A critical step in infection is the adhesion of the amoeba to host cells and tissues, and two major parasite adhesins, mannose-binding protein (MBP) and laminin-binding protein (LBP), are known to recognize the cell surface glycoproteins and those of the extracellular matrix, respectively. In this study, the available genomes of Acanthamoeba were analysed to recover the sequences of MBP and LBP using previously published genetic data. Genes for both proteins were successfully obtained from strains belonging to various genotypes (T4A, T4D, T4G, T4F, T2, T5, T10, T22, T7 and T18), resulting in a single gene for LBP but identifying two types of MBP, MBP1 and MBP2. Phylogenetic analysis based on deduced amino acid sequences shows that both MBP and LBP have a branching pattern that is consistent with that based on 18S rDNA, indicating that changes in both proteins occurred during diversification of Acanthamoeba lines. Notably, all MBPs possess a conserved motif, shared with some bacterial C-type lectins, which could be the recognition site for mannose binding.
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Distribution and Current State of Molecular Genetic Characterization in Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101199. [PMID: 36297255 PMCID: PMC9612019 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa widely distributed in the environment, found in a great diversity of terrestrial biomes. Some genera of FLA are linked to human infections. The genus Acanthamoeba is currently classified into 23 genotypes (T1-T23), and of these some (T1, T2, T4, T5, T10, T12, and T18) are known to be capable of causing granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) mainly in immunocompromised patients while other genotypes (T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T10, T11, T12, and T15) cause Acanthamoeba keratitis mainly in otherwise healthy patients. Meanwhile, Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of an acute infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), while Balamuthia mandrillaris, like some Acanthamoeba genotypes, causes GAE, differing from the latter in the description of numerous cases in patients immunocompetent. Finally, other FLA related to the pathologies mentioned above have been reported; Sappinia sp. is responsible for one case of amoebic encephalitis; Vermamoeba vermiformis has been found in cases of ocular damage, and its extraordinary capacity as endocytobiont for microorganisms of public health importance such as Legionella pneumophila, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others. This review addressed issues related to epidemiology, updating their geographic distribution and cases reported in recent years for pathogenic FLA.
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Exploring LSU and ITS rDNA Sequences for Acanthamoeba Identification and Phylogeny. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091776. [PMID: 36144378 PMCID: PMC9502406 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and classification of strains of Acanthamoeba, a potentially pathogenic ubiquitous free-living amoeba, are largely based on the analysis of 18S rDNA sequences, currently delineating 23 genotypes, T1 to T23. In this study, the sequences of the ITS region, i.e., the 5.8S rDNA and the two internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2), and those of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA of Acanthamoeba were recovered from amoeba genomes; the sequences are available in GenBank. The complete ITS–LSU sequences could be obtained for 15 strains belonging to 7 distinct lineages (T4A, T4D, T4F, T4G, T2, T5, and T18), and the site of the hidden break producing the 26Sα and 26Sβ was identified. For the other lines, either the LSU is partial (T2/T6, T7) or the ITS is fragmentary (T7, T10, T22). It is noteworthy that a number of sequences assigned to fungi turned out to actually be Acanthamoeba, only some of which could be affiliated with known genotypes. Analysis of the obtained sequences indicates that both ITS and LSU are promising for diagnostic and phylogenetic purposes.
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Karaman U, Koloren Z, Karanis P. Survey and first report of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype in natural spring water resources in the Black Sea, Turkey. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:193-204. [PMID: 35100167 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Infection with Acanthamoeba spp. may result in granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Water is an important habitat where Acanthamoeba species thrive. Therefore, studying the occurrence of this free-living amoeba in water sources will help understand the infection dynamics. The aim of the study was to survey and report on the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in water resources from the Ordu and Giresun provinces in Black Sea. Acanthamoeba spp. was found in 1/17 natural spring water samples from Ordu and in 2/18 from Giresun. Acanthamoeba species were not detected in any of the investigated tap water samples. Sequencing of the (SSU) rDNA gene resulted in the identification of haplotype I (Acanthamoeba genotype: KJ094684). T4 (8.6%) was the only isolated genotype in both Ordu and Giresun provinces. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype in natural spring water resources in the Black Sea. The occurrence of Acanthamoeba species in natural spring water sources should be considered as a potential risk for human infection, especially to high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulku Karaman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Koloren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Institute of Anatomy, Nicosia, Cyprus
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OUP accepted manuscript. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:845-852. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Soler P, Moreno-Mesonero L, Zornoza A, Macián VJ, Moreno Y. Characterization of eukaryotic microbiome and associated bacteria communities in a drinking water treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149070. [PMID: 34303230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of drinking water treatment is critical to achieve an optimal and safe drinking water. Disinfection is one of the most important steps to eliminate the health concern caused by the microbial population in this type of water. However, no study has evaluated the changes in its microbiome, specially the eukaryotic microbiome, and the fates of opportunistic pathogens generated by UV disinfection with medium-pressure mercury lamps in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). In this work, the eukaryotic community composition of a DWTP with UV disinfection was evaluated before and after a UV disinfection treatment by means of Illumina 18S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing. Among the physicochemical parameters analysed, flow and nitrate appeared to be related with the changes in the eukaryotic microbiome shape. Public health concern eukaryotic organisms such as Blastocystis, Entamoeba, Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella, Naegleria, Microsporidium or Caenorhabditis were identified. Additionally, the relation between the occurrence of some human bacterial pathogens and the presence of some eukaryotic organisms has been studied. The presence of some human bacterial pathogens such as Arcobacter, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and Parachlamydia were statistically correlated with the presence of some eukaryotic carriers showing the public health risk due to the bacterial pathogens they could shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soler
- Empresa Mixta Valenciana de Aguas, S.A. (EMIVASA), Av. del Regne de València, 28, 46005, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Laura Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Andrés Zornoza
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain; H2OCITIES, SL. Arte Mayor de la Seda, 15, 46950 Xirivella, Valencia, Spain.
| | - V Javier Macián
- Empresa Mixta Valenciana de Aguas, S.A. (EMIVASA), Av. del Regne de València, 28, 46005, Valencia, Spain; Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Analysis of Acanthamoeba genotypes from public freshwater sources in Thailand reveals a new genotype, T23 Acanthamoeba bangkokensis sp. nov. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17290. [PMID: 34453084 PMCID: PMC8397737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A survey of Acanthamoeba in 100 public freshwater sources in 28 provinces across Thailand has identified 9 genotypes comprising T2/6, T3-T5, T9, T11, T12, T18 and a novel ‘T23’ among 131 isolates. Sequencing of the near complete 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba of all isolates has shown that the most predominant genotype T4 found in 87 isolates (66.4%) contained 4 subtypes, i.e. T4A, T4B, T4C and T4F, while all isolates assigned to genotype T2/6 belonged to subtype B. Among intron-bearing genotypes, most isolates harbouring genotype T3 contained S516 introns, characterised by 3 distinct variants whilst all genotypes T4A and T5 were intronless. Identical 18S rRNA sequences of Acanthamoeba were identified across regions of the country and four isolates in this study shared the same sequences with those from remote nations, suggesting that some strains have reproductive success in diverse ecological niche. Nucleotide diversity of genotypes T2/6B, T3, T4, T9 and T11 in this study was significantly less than that among global isolates outside Thailand, implying that limited sequence diversity occurred within local populations. A remarkably higher level of nucleotide diversity in genotype T11 than those of other genotypes (0.041 vs. 0.012–0.024) could be due to cryptic subtypes. Recombination breakpoints have been detected within genotypes and subtypes as well as within isolates despite no evidence for sexual and parasexual cycles in the genus Acanthamoeba. Tajima’s D, Fu & Li’s D* and F* statistics revealed significantly negative deviation from neutrality across genotypes and subtypes, implying purifying selection in this locus. The 18S rRNA gene of the novel genotype ‘T23’ displayed 7.82% to 28.44% sequence differences in comparison with all known genotypes. Both Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees have placed genotype T23 as sister to the clade comprising genotypes T10, T12 and T14, all of these possess cyst structure belonging to morphological group III. Hence, Acanthamoeba bangkokensis sp. nov. is proposed for this novel genotype. It is likely that more genotypes of Acanthamoeba remain to be discovered while the evolution of the 18S rRNA gene of this pathogenic-free living amoeba seems to be ongoing.
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Corsaro D. On the diversity and clinical importance of Acanthamoeba spp. from Group 1. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2057-2064. [PMID: 33928443 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07171-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Group 1 acanthamoebae are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from all other Acanthamoeba species. They include five species, each labelled by its genotype: A. astronyxis (T7), A. tubiashi (T8), A. comandoni (T9), unnamed Acanthamoeba sp. (T17), and A. byersi (T18). Thought only environmental, they have recently attracted attention due to their recovery in cases of human keratitis and encephalitis, the main diseases caused by Acanthamoeba, where the usual causative agents are mainly species of Groups 2 and 3. Analysis of the available data confirms the pathogenic importance of these species, although it is probably minor compared to that of the species in Groups 2 and 3. In addition, it should be noted that there are difficulties in identifying genotypes by widely used molecular methods, and some misidentifications are revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS, 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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15
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Rodriguez-Anaya LZ, Félix-Sastré ÁJ, Lares-Villa F, Lares-Jiménez LF, Gonzalez-Galaviz JR. Application of the omics sciences to the study of Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., and Balamuthia mandrillaris: current status and future projections. Parasite 2021; 28:36. [PMID: 33843581 PMCID: PMC8040595 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we focus on the sequenced genomes of the pathogens Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris, and the remarkable discoveries regarding the pathogenicity and genetic information of these organisms, using techniques related to the various omics branches like genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Currently, novel data produced through comparative genomics analyses and both differential gene and protein expression in these free-living amoebas have allowed for breakthroughs to identify genes unique to N. fowleri, genes with active transcriptional activity, and their differential expression in conditions of modified virulence. Furthermore, orthologous genes of the various nuclear genomes within the Naegleria and Acanthamoeba genera have been clustered. The proteome of B. mandrillaris has been reconstructed through transcriptome data, and its mitochondrial genome structure has been thoroughly described with a unique characteristic that has come to light: a type I intron with the capacity of interrupting genes through its self-splicing ribozymes activity. With the integration of data derived from the diverse omic sciences, there is a potential approximation that reflects the molecular complexity required for the identification of virulence factors, as well as crucial information regarding the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms with which these interact. Altogether, these breakthroughs could contribute to radical advances in both the fields of therapy design and medical diagnosis in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ángel Josué Félix-Sastré
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora Ciudad Obregón 85000 Sonora México
| | - Fernando Lares-Villa
- Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora Ciudad Obregón 85000 Sonora México
| | - Luis Fernando Lares-Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora Ciudad Obregón 85000 Sonora México
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16
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Abstract
The evolutionary history of Acanthamoeba has been substantially resolved by the 18S rDNA phylogeny which made it possible to delimit the main lines associated with some classical species. Some of them have proven to be polyphyletic, but the inappropriate use of treating under the same names unrelated strains persists. In this study, phylogenies based on the complete genes of nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA were compared, in order to verify the congruence of the different lines. Various groups can thus be identified, some of which associated with the type strains of given species. Recognizing them only by their species names would significantly reduce the current confusion, in addition to logically following basic taxonomic rules. In this manner, the well-known polyphyletic taxa A. castellanii and A. polyphaga, are restricted to the two lines specified by their type strains, while other widely used strains like Neff and Linc-AP1 that are often confused with the previous ones, can be assigned to their own lines. New species are potentially present in other groups and additional efforts are needed to delimit them.
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Species, Sequence Types and Alleles: Dissecting Genetic Variation in Acanthamoeba. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070534. [PMID: 32630775 PMCID: PMC7400246 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Species designations within Acanthamoeba are problematic because of pleomorphic morphology. Molecular approaches, including DNA sequencing, hinted at a resolution that has yet to be fully achieved. Alternative approaches were required. In 1996, the Byers/Fuerst lab introduced the concept of sequence types. Differences between isolates of Acanthamoeba could be quantitatively assessed by comparing sequences of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene, ultimately producing 22 sequence types, designated T1 through T22. The concept of sequence types helps our understanding of Acanthamoeba evolution. Nevertheless, substantial variation in the 18S rRNA gene differentiates many isolates within each sequence type. Because the majority of isolates with sequences in the international DNA databases have been studied for only a small segment of the gene, designated ASA.S1, genetic variation within this hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene has been scrutinized. In 2002, we first categorized variation in this region in a sample of T3 and T4 isolates from Hong Kong, observing ten “alleles” within type T4 and five “alleles” within T3. Subsequently, confusion occurred when different labs applied redundant numerical labels to identify different alleles. A more unified approach was required. We have tabulated alleles occurring in the sequences submitted to the international DNA databases, and determined their frequencies. Over 150 alleles have occurred more than once within 3500+ isolates of sequence type T4. Results from smaller samples of other sequence types (T3, T5, T11 and T15, and supergroup T2/6) have also been obtained. Our results provide new insights into the evolutionary history of Acanthamoeba, further illuminating the degree of genetic separation between significant taxonomic units within the genus, perhaps eventually elucidating what constitutes a species of Acanthamoeba.
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Koyun İ, Kolören Z, Karaman Ü, Tsiami A, Karanis P. Acanthamoeba spp. in river water samples from the Black Sea region, Turkey. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:186-199. [PMID: 32300091 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the occurrence of free living amoeba (FLA) in water resources (rivers and tap water) in Samsun in the Black Sea. The presence of Acanthamoeba spp. was confirmed in 98 of 192 water samples collected from 32 sites of Samsun province (Samsun centre, Terme, Carsamba, Tekkekoy, Bafra) by PCR. Acanthamoeba spp. were found in 15/36 river samples from Samsun, in 58/90 from Terme, in 12/30 from Carsamba, in 7/18 from Tekkekoy and in 6/18 from Bafra. No Acanthamoeba species were detected in tap water samples. The highest rate in river waters contaminated with Acanthamoeba species was in Terme followed by Samsun centre (41.7%), Carsamba (40%), Tekkekoy (38.9%) and Bafra districts (33.3%), respectively. The result of the subsequent sequence analysis showed Haplotype I (A. triangularis) in 5%, Haplotype II (A. polyphaga) in 29.6%, Haplotype III (Acanthamoeba spp.) in 62% and Haplotype IV (A. lenticulata) in 3%. The most common genotype was Acanthamoeba T4 (Acanthamoeba spp., A. polyphaga, A. triangularis) and T5 genotype was also found in 3%. The T4 genotype is the most common genotype associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) worldwide; therefore, humans and animals living in the area are at risk after contact with such waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Koyun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Zeynep Kolören
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Ülkü Karaman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Amalia Tsiami
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, London, UK
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Recovery of an Acanthamoeba strain with two group I introns in the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. Eur J Protistol 2019; 68:88-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Corsaro D, Venditti D. Unusual 18S rDNA of Acanthamoeba containing intron turned out to be a T5/T4 chimera. Parasitol Res 2018; 118:657-662. [PMID: 30417248 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are widely investigated for their diversity and evolution. Studies usually employ biomolecular methods targeting the 18S rRNA gene, assigning strains according to a well-established genotyping system. Strains from at least four genotypes contain introns in their rDNA. By retracing the evolutionary history of these introns within the amoebae, we found that the 18S rDNA of TUMSJ-341 strain (ATCC PRA-11), assigned to the genotype T5 (A. lenticulata), proved very unusual in our analyses, not corresponding to the characteristics of the group. The sequence contains a group I intron recovered only in A. lenticulata. At BLAST, however, the intron-less 18S rDNA of TUMSJ-341 does not match with T5 strains but shows some affinity with strains from genotype T4, suggesting a new genotype. Our accurate analysis of this sequence finally revealed a mixture of variable regions, showing that such discordant results are due to the insertion into the gene of a strain T5 of a DNA fragment containing hypervariable regions specific for a T4 strain. Data presented herein indicate that this sequence is probably a chimera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS, 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Danielle Venditti
- CHLAREAS, 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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21
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Chan LL, Mak JW, Ambu S, Chong PY. Identification and ultrastructural characterization of Acanthamoeba bacterial endocytobionts belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria class. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204732. [PMID: 30356282 PMCID: PMC6200196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and identification of two endocytobiotic bacterial strains, one affiliated to the “Candidatus Caedibacter acanthamoebae”/“Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba”, and another to the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8 and “Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba” are described. For endocytobiont screening, we developed a PCR method with a set of broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA primers to substitute the commonly used but technically demanding fluorescent in situ hybridization technique. Our PCR test alone without sequencing failed to discriminate the endocytobiont-containing and endocytobiont-free Acanthamoeba sp. due to the presence of mismatched primers to host mitochondrial DNA. We highlighted the need to perform bacterial primer checking against the Acanthamoeba genome to avoid false positive detection in PCR. Although the genetic aspect of “Ca. Caedibacter acanthamoebae”/“Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba” and the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8/“Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba” are well studied, knowledge pertaining to their morphologies are quite vague. Hence, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine our endocytobionts which are affiliated to previously described intracellular bacteria of Acanthamoeba sp. We used good-quality TEM images for the localization and the fate of the current endocytobionts inside different life stages of the hosts. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, our TEM findings are the first to provide morphological evidence for the clearance of defective Acanthamoeba endocytobionts via an autophagic-like process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li Chan
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Joon Wah Mak
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Stephen Ambu
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Yee Chong
- Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Basher MHA, Ithoi I, Mahmud R, Abdulsalam AM, Foead AI, Dawaki S, Atroosh WMM, Nissapatorn V, Abdullah WO. Occurrence of Acanthamoeba genotypes in Central West Malaysian environments. Acta Trop 2018; 178:219-228. [PMID: 29203378 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living protozoa that can be found worldwide. Occasionally, it can become parasitic and the causative agent of acanthamoebic keratitis (AK) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) in man. A total of 160 environmental samples and 225 naturally-infected animal corneal swabs were collected for Acanthamoeba cultivation. Acanthamoeba was found to be high in samples collected from environments (85%, 136/160) compared to infected animal corneas (24.89%, 56/225) by microscopic examination. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of 18S rRNA gene of all the 192 cultivable Acanthamoeba isolates revealed 4 genotypes (T3, T4. T5 and T15) with T4 as the most prevalent (69.27%, 133/192) followed by T5 (20.31%), T15 (9.90%) and T3 (0.52%). Genotype T4 was from the strain of A. castellanii U07401 (44.27%), A. castellanii U07409 (20.83%) and A. polyphagaAY026243 (4.17%), but interestingly, only A. castellanii U07401 was detected in naturally infected corneal samples. In environmental samples, T4 was commonly detected in all samples including dry soil, dust, wet debris, wet soil and water. Among the T4, A. castellanii (U07409) strains were detected high occurrence in dry (45%) followed by aquatic (32.50%) and moist (22.50%) samples but however A. castellanii (U07401) strains were dominant in dry samples of soil and dust (93.10%). Subsequently, genotype T5 of A. lenticulata (U94741) strains were dominant in samples collected from aquatic environments (58.97%). In summary, A. castellanii (U07401) strains were found dominant in both environmental and corneal swab samples. Therefore, these strains are possibly the most virulent and dry soil or dusts are the most possible source of Acanthamoeba infection in cats and dogs corneas.
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Ng SL, Nordin A, Abd Ghafar N, Suboh Y, Ab Rahim N, Chua KH. Acanthamoeba-mediated cytopathic effect correlates with MBP and AhLBP mRNA expression. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:625. [PMID: 29282148 PMCID: PMC5745754 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2547-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the concern of Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased since the infection is often associated with contact lens use. Partial 18S rRNA genotypic identification of Acanthamoeba isolates is important to correlate with pathophysiological properties in order to evaluate the degree of virulence. This is the first report of genotypic identification for clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba from corneal scrapings of keratitis in Malaysia. This study is also the first to correlate the mRNA expression of MBP and AhLBP as virulent markers for axenic strains of Acanthamoeba. RESULTS In this study, ten clinical isolates were obtained from corneal scrapings. Rns genotype and intra-genotypic variation at the DF3 region of the isolates were identified. Results revealed that all clinical isolates belonged to the T4 genotype, with T4/6 (4 isolates), T4/2 (3 isolates), T4/16 (2 isolates) and one new genotype T4 sequence (T4/36), being determined. The axenic clinical isolates were cytopathogenic to rabbit corneal fibroblasts. MBP and AhLBP mRNA expression are directly correlated to Acanthamoeba cytopathic effect. CONCLUSIONS All ten Malaysian clinical isolates were identified as genotype T4 which is predominantly associated with AK. Measuring the mRNA expression of Acanthamoeba virulent markers could be useful in the understanding of the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook-Luan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia
| | - Anisah Nordin
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia
| | - Norzana Abd Ghafar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia
| | - Yusof Suboh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia
| | - Noraina Ab Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia
| | - Kien-Hui Chua
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tun Razak, Malaysia.
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24
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De Obeso Fernandez Del Valle A, Lorenzo-Morales J, Maciver SK. Leptomyxa valladaresi n. sp. (Amoebozoa, Tubulinea, Leptomyxida), from Mount Teide, Tenerife, Spain. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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An apparent Acanthamoeba genotype is the product of a chimeric 18S rDNA artifact. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:571-577. [PMID: 29177581 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are potentially pathogenic protozoa widespread in the environment. The detection/diagnosis as well as environmental survey strategies is mainly based on the identification of the 18S rDNA sequences of the strains that allow the recovery of various distinct genotypes/subgenotypes. The accurate recording of such data is important to better know the environmental distribution of distinct genotypes and how they may be preferentially associated with disease. Recently, a putative new acanthamoebal genotype T99 was introduced, which comprises only environmental clones apparently with some anomalous features. Here, we analyze these sequences through partial treeing and BLAST analyses and find that they are actually chimeras. Our results show that the putative T99 genotype is very likely formed by chimeric sequences including a middle fragment from acanthamoebae of genotype T13, while the 5'- and 3'-end fragments came from a nematode and a cercozoan, respectively. Molecular phylogenies of Acanthamoeba including T99 are consequently erroneous as genotype T99 does not exist in nature. Careful identification of Acanthamoeba genotypes is therefore critical for both phylogenetic and diagnostic applications.
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26
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Casero RD, Mongi F, Laconte L, Rivero F, Sastre D, Teherán A, Herrera G, Ramírez JD. Molecular and morphological characterization of Acanthamoeba isolated from corneal scrapes and contact lens wearers in Argentina. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 54:170-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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In vitro activity of 1H-phenalen-1-one derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff and their mechanisms of cell death. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:218-223. [PMID: 28916457 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen which is the causal agent of a sight-threatening ulceration of the cornea known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and, more rarely, an infection of the central nervous system called "granulomatous amoebic encephalitis" (GAE). The symptoms of AK are non-specific, and so it can be misdiagnosed as a viral, bacterial, or fungal keratitis. Furthermore, current therapeutic measures against AK are arduous, and show limited efficacy against the cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. 1H-Phenalen-1-one (PH) containing compounds have been isolated from plants and fungi, where they play a crucial role in the defense mechanism of plants. Natural as well as synthetic PHs exhibit a diverse range of biological activities against fungi, protozoan parasites or human cancer cells. New synthetic PHs have been tested in this study and they show a potential activity against this protozoa.
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28
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Reyes-Batlle M, Martín-Rodríguez AJ, López-Arencibia A, Sifaoui I, Liendo AR, Bethencourt Estrella CJ, García Méndez AB, Chiboub O, Hajaji S, Valladares B, Martínez-Carretero E, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In vitro interactions of Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff and Vibrio harveyi. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:167-170. [PMID: 28917709 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are opportunistic protozoa widely distributed in the environment. They are frequently found in water and soil samples, but they have also been reported to be associated with bacterial human pathogens such as Legionella spp. Campylobacter spp or Vibrio cholerae among others. Including within Vibrio spp. V. harveyi (Johnson and Shunk, 1936) is a bioluminescent marine bacteria which has been found swimming freely in tropical marine waters, being part of the stomach and intestine microflora of marine animals, and as both a primary and opportunistic pathogen of marine animals. Our aim was to study the interactions between Vibrio harveyi and Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Firstly, in order to analyze changes in it cultivability, V. harveyi was coincubated with A. castellanii Neff axenic culture and with Acanthamoeba Conditioned Medium (ACM) at different temperatures in aerobic conditions. Interestingly, at 4 °C and 18-20 °C bacteria were still cultivable in marine agar, at 28 °C, in aerobic conditions, but there weren't significant differences comparing with the controls. We also noted an enhanced migration of Acanthamoeba toward V. harveyi on non-nutrient agar plates compared to controls with no bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | | | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Ana B García Méndez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain; Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P 51 2070, La Marsa, University of Cathage, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Hajaji
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de La Manouba, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunisia
| | - Basilio Valladares
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Enrique Martínez-Carretero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
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Maciver SK, De Obeso Fernandez Del Valle A, Koutsogiannis Z. Vannella pentlandii n. sp., (Amoebozoa, Discosea, Vannellida) a small, cyst-forming soil amoeba. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:109-116. [PMID: 28778744 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We describe a new species of cyst-producing soil amoeba Vannella pentlandii from course pasture in the Pentland Hills, Scotland. Analysis of the 18S rDNA gene reveals that it belongs to the sub-group within the genus, presently composed of V. placida, V. epipetala and V. fimicola (the PEF group). This group share features such as longitudinal folds/ridges on the lamella (the anterior hyaline region of the trophozoite), stubby floating forms and cyst production. While each PEF species contain cyst producing strains, not all strains within these species do so. V. fimicola produces cysts on stalks leading to its former classification as a slime mould, however no such stalks were evident in the V. pentlandii, instead groups of cysts become piled on top of each other forming clumps. The encysting amoebae crawl toward each other, pushing some off the surface to form these mounds. The V. pentlandii trophozoites are of typical size for the genus but the cysts at 6.9 μm in diameter, are the smallest so far described in genus Vannella. Other cyst producing species are found in various branches within the Vannella phylogenetic tree, probably meaning that this ability was ancestral but lost in many branches (particularly in marine species), and perhaps re-gained in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Alvaro De Obeso Fernandez Del Valle
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
| | - Zisis Koutsogiannis
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Knowledge, Behavior, and Free-Living Amoebae Contamination of Cosmetic Contact Lens Among University Wearers in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study. Eye Contact Lens 2017; 43:81-88. [PMID: 26925535 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the general knowledge, behavior, and presence of potentially pathogenic amoebae in cosmetic contact lens (CCL) wearers. METHODS One hundred CCL asymptomatic wearers were randomly selected. A questionnaire regarding their lens use, and a pair of their CCL was obtained. Identification of free-living amoeba (FLA) strains was based on morphological diagnosis, enflagellation tests (for non-Acanthamoeba strains), and sequencing of the small-subunit rRNA gene fragments. RESULTS Most (92%) of the participants surveyed were women, and the average age of the participants was 21.5±0.2 years. The CCL wearers generally showed a moderate (47%) or good (35%) level of knowledge, and good (51%) or excellent (40%) use of CCL. Two CCL samples were positive for Acanthamoeba genotype T3 or Vahlkampfia. The Acanthamoeba-contaminated CCL was from a wearer who used saline for treating lenses, and the Vahlkampfia-contaminated CCL was from a wearer who used CCL while swimming. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of the presence of potentially pathogenic FLA in used CCL from asymptomatic wearers in Thailand. Although there was satisfactory knowledge and practice of lens care use, the public should be aware of CCL contaminated with potentially pathogenic FLA that can directly or indirectly cause keratitis.
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Isolation and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba from patients with keratitis in Spain. Eur J Protistol 2017; 61:244-252. [PMID: 28756938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In order to improve our knowledge on the epidemiology of amoebic keratitis, as well as the identification of Acanthamoeba isolates, we have isolated Acanthamoeba spp. from five symptomatic patients in Spain in the present study. All isolates were grown in axenic liquid medium, with only one exception. The morphology of these isolates were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Their structural features corresponded to those of amphizoic amoebae (namely Acanthamoeba spp.). The molecular characterization of the five Acanthamoeba isolates yielded six sequences. Almost complete 18S rRNA gene sequences (>2000bp) were obtained from three isolates and partial sequences (∼1500bp) from the other two. A robust phylogenetic analysis based on the almost complete 18S rRNA sequence showed that four isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the other one to the T3 genotype. However, all isolates were identified as T4 genotype using the ASA.S1 fragment. As previously suggested by other researchers, only a robust phylogenetic approach may be helpful in identifying Acanthamoeba genotypes. In addition, new data on the phylogenetic relationships among the Acanthamoeba genotypes is provided and discussed.
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Xuan Y, Shen Y, Ge Y, Yan G, Zheng S. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba strains from soil and tap water in Yanji, China. Environ Health Prev Med 2017; 22:58. [PMID: 29165144 PMCID: PMC5664816 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-017-0655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Members of the genus Acanthamoeba are widely distributed throughout the world, and some of them are considered pathogenic, as they are capable of causing corneal and central nervous system diseases. In this study, we isolated Acanthamoeba strains from soil and tap water in Yanji, China. Methods We identified four strains of Acanthamoeba (CJY/S1, CJY/S2, CJY/S3, and CJY/W1) using mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (mtDNA RFLP) analysis. Nuclear 18S rDNA sequences were used for phylogenetic analysis and species identification. Results Genotypic characterization of the isolates showed that they belonged to genotypes T4 (CJY/S1 and CJY/S2), T5 (CJY/S3), and T16 (CJY/W1). Sequence differences between CJY/S1 and Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff, CJY/S2 and Acanthamoeba KA/E7, and CJY/S3 and Acanthamoeba lenticulata 68–2 were 0.31, 0.2, and 0.26%, respectively. 18S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) of CJY/W1 had 99% sequence identity to that of Acanthamoeba sp. U/H-C1. Strains CJY/S1 and CJY/S2, isolated from soil, had similar mtDNA RFLP patterns, whereas strain CJY/W1, isolated from tap water, displayed a different pattern. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification of genotypes T4, T5, and T16 from environmental sources in Yanji, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Xuan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Jiangnan University, 1800 Li Hu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanqin Shen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Jiangnan University, 1800 Li Hu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxi Ge
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200 Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214062, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gen Yan
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 200 Huihe Road, Wuxi, 214062, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanzi Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133000, Jilin, China.
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Lass A, Guerrero M, Li X, Karanis G, Ma L, Karanis P. Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in water samples collected from natural water reservoirs, sewages, and pharmaceutical factory drains using LAMP and PCR in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 584-585:489-494. [PMID: 28131444 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Various species of amoebas belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in many parts of the world. Some strains of these protozoans may exist as parasites and pose risks to human health as causative agents of serious human diseases. Currently in China there is a lack of information about the distribution of Acanthamoeba strains in the environment. Accordingly, 261 environmental water samples taken from rivers, sewage, and pharmaceutical factory drains were collected in Qinghai Province, China. The material was filtered and then analysed with both LAMP and PCR assays. Of the samples examined, Acanthamoeba DNA was found in 32 (14.68%) samples with the use of LAMP; in 13 of these samples, DNA from this amoeba was also detected using PCR. Sequencing of selected positive samples confirmed that the PCR products were fragments of the Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA gene and that isolates represent the T4 genotype, known as the most common strain related to AK cases. The results indicate that surface water, as well as water taken from sewage and pharmaceutical drains, may be a source of acanthamoebic strains potentially pathogenic for humans in China. It has been also demonstrated that LAMP assays is more sensitive than PCR and can be regarded as useful tool for screening the environment for Acanthamoeba spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lass
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China; Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk, 9b Powstania Styczniowego Str, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Milena Guerrero
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China; Research Group of Functional Materials and Catalysis, GIMFC, Universidad de Nariño, Calle 18 Cra. 50, Campus Torobajo, Pasto-Colombia. Doctorate in Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Xiuping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Gabriele Karanis
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China; Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining City 810016, Qinghai Province, PR China
| | - Liqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Medical School of Qinghai University Xining, 1#Wei'er Road, Qinghai, Biological Scientific Estate Garden, Xining 810016, PR China.
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Update on Acanthamoeba jacobsi genotype T15, including full-length 18S rDNA molecular phylogeny. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1273-1284. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5406-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Memari F, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Jonaydi Z. Isolation and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from the oral cavity of immunosuppressed individuals in Tehran, Iran. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:451-5. [PMID: 27447206 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. is an opportunistic protozoan parasite which is the causative agent of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). GAE usually occurs in immunocompromised patients which in most cases is fatal. The present study was conducted to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba isolated from patients with compromised immunological status. For this purpose, 90 samples from the oral cavity of these individuals were collected in different hospitals of Tehran, Iran using sterile cotton swabs. Samples were cultured in 2% Non-Nutrient Agar (NNA) plates in order to check for the presence of amoebae. Identification of isolates was carried out using both morphological and molecular tools. The pathogenic potential of the obtained strains was assessed by performing osmo- and thermotolerance assays as previously described. Genotyping of the isolates was carried out by PCR/sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA gene of Acanthamoeba. From the 90 collected samples, 11 (13.4%) were positive for Acanthamoeba genus. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of genotypes T3, T4 and T11, although most of the isolates belonged to genotype T4. Only 3 of the isolates genotyped as T4 were positive for the pathogenic potential assays. To this end if the immunological status is considered as one of the key factors for the development of GAE due to Acanthamoeba in the previous reported cases, individuals suffering from the conditions mentioned in this study should be considered as a high risk group of population in Iran and worldwide.
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Takenouchi Y, Iwasaki K, Murase J. Response of the protistan community of a rice field soil to different oxygen tensions. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw104. [PMID: 27183973 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrophic protists in soil are grazers that control the biomass and community structure of bacteria, thereby enhancing nutrient recycling. Oxygen regulates the microeukaryotic community, but little is known about its response to microoxic conditions. Here we studied the impact of oxygen tension on culturable heterotrophic protists in a rice field soil. The number of protists, dominated by amoeba and flagellates, under oxygen tensions ranging from atmospheric level (21%) to below the Pasteur point (0.08%) were similar (10(4) cells g(-1) dry soil); no protists were detected under anoxic conditions. DGGE fingerprinting of microeukaryotes demonstrated a shift in the community structure depending on the oxygen tension during growth. Both common and specific amoeba and flagellates were identified at different oxygen tensions. Amoeba isolates (Acanthamoeba sp. and Hartmannella sp.) grew to the same extent under the oxygen tensions tested; the Acanthamoeba sp. isolate migrated more slowly under the lowest tension (0.08%). Our results demonstrated that amoeba and flagellates in soil adapt to a wide range of oxygen tensions with a shift in community structure. This suggests an ability to search for food in soil environments such as the oxic-anoxic interface of flooded soil or inside soil aggregates that are inaccessible to ciliates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Takenouchi
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Iwasaki
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Jun Murase
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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Fuerst PA, Booton GC, Crary M. Phylogenetic analysis and the evolution of the 18S rRNA gene typing system of Acanthamoeba. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:69-84. [PMID: 25284310 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Species of Acanthamoeba were first described using morphological characters including cyst structure and cytology of nuclear division. More than 20 nominal species were proposed using these methods. Morphology, especially cyst shape and size, has proven to be plastic and dependent upon culture conditions. The DNA sequence of the nuclear small-subunit (18S) rRNA, the Rns gene, has become the most widely accepted method for rapid diagnosis and classification of Acanthamoeba. The Byers-Fuerst lab first proposed an Rns typing system in 1996. Subsequent refinements, with an increasing DNA database and analysis of diagnostic fragments within the gene, have become widely accepted by the Acanthamoeba research community. The development of the typing system, including its current state of implementation is illustrated by three cases: (i) the division between sequence types T13 and T16; (ii) the diversity within sequence supertype T2/T6, and (iii) verification of a new sequence type, designated T20. Molecular studies make clear the disconnection between phylogenetic relatedness and species names, as applied for the genus Acanthamoeba. Future reconciliation of genetic types with species names must become a priority, but the possible shortcomings of the use of a single gene when reconstructing the evolutionary history of the acanthamoebidae must also be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Fuerst
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Adamska M. Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. Occurring in Water Bodies and Patients in Poland and Redefinition of Polish T16 Genotype. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 63:262-70. [PMID: 26542537 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba genus is divided into 20 genotypes (T1-T20) on the basis of the gene encoding 18S rRNA sequence. Using of at least 2 kbp gene fragments is strongly recommended to identify new genotypes and 5% difference is commonly used as a criterion of new genotypes, however, this value is questionable. In this paper, Polish Acanthamoeba strains described earlier on the basis of ~850 bp Ami fragment of 18S rRNA gene as T4, T11 and a new T16 genotype, have been analyzed using near-complete sequence of the gene. This analysis was needed because the Ami fragment does not reveal full variability within 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on Ami fragment is biased by artifacts in the construction of the tree, so the fragment should not be used for identification of new putative Acanthamoeba genotypes. The analysis confirmed that the Polish sequences represent T4 and T11 genotypes and that the strains described earlier as T16 genotype are in fact a new subgroup of the T20 genotype and that this genotype should be divided into two subgroups: T20a (two strains described by [J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 62 (2015) 69]) and T20b (11 Polish strains described in this study). The T20b subgroup was isolated from both clinical samples and water bodies used by people as bathing places and there is a risk of infection for humans during contact with water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Adamska
- Department of Genetics, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
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Retana-Moreira L, Abrahams-Sandí E, Castro-Artavia E, Fernández-Sánchez A, Castro-Castillo A, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J. Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba
Strains from Dental Units in Costa Rica. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:733-6. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lissette Retana-Moreira
- Department of Parasitology; Faculty of Microbiology; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
| | - Elizabeth Abrahams-Sandí
- Department of Parasitology; Faculty of Microbiology; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
| | - Esteban Castro-Artavia
- Department of Parasitology; Faculty of Microbiology; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
| | - Ana Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Parasitology; Faculty of Microbiology; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
| | - Alfredo Castro-Castillo
- Department of Parasitology; Faculty of Microbiology; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales; University of Costa Rica; San Pedro San José Costa Rica
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands; University of La Laguna; Tenerife Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands; University of La Laguna; Tenerife Spain
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Acanthamoeba misidentification and multiple labels: redefining genotypes T16, T19, and T20 and proposal for Acanthamoeba micheli sp. nov. (genotype T19). Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2481-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Montalbano Di Filippo M, Santoro M, Lovreglio P, Monno R, Capolongo C, Calia C, Fumarola L, D'Alfonso R, Berrilli F, Di Cave D. Isolation and molecular characterization of free-living amoebae from different water sources in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:3417-27. [PMID: 25811766 PMCID: PMC4410193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120403417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitous in Nature, isolated from a variety of environments worldwide. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been found to be pathogenic to humans. In the present study a survey was conducted in order to evaluate the presence and to characterize at molecular level the isolates of amoebic organisms collected from different water sources in Italy. A total of 160 water samples were analyzed by culture and microscopic examination. FLA were found in 46 (28.7%) of the investigated water samples. Groundwater, well waters, and ornamental fountain waters were the sources with higher prevalence rates (85.7%, 50.0%, and 45.9%, respectively). Identification of FLA species/genotypes, based on the 18S rDNA regions, allowed to identify 18 (39.1%) Acanthamoeba isolates (genotypes T4 and T15) and 21 (45.6%) Vermamoeba vermiformis isolates. Other FLA species, including Vahlkampfia sp. and Naegleria spp., previously reported in Italy, were not recovered. The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in habitats related to human population, as reported in the present study, supports the relevance of FLA as a potential health threat to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rosa Monno
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carmen Capolongo
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carla Calia
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luciana Fumarola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rossella D'Alfonso
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Foundation Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Statins and voriconazole induce programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:2817-24. [PMID: 25733513 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00066-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Acanthamoeba are facultative pathogens of humans, causing a sight-threatening keratitis and a life-threatening encephalitis. In order to treat those infections properly, it is necessary to target the treatment not only to the trophozoite but also to the cyst. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to avoid parasite killing by necrosis, which may induce local inflammation. We must also avoid toxicity of host tissue. Many drugs which target eukaryotes are known to induce programmed cell death (PCD), but this process is poorly characterized in Acanthamoeba. Here, we study the processes of programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba, induced by several drugs, such as statins and voriconazole. We tested atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, and voriconazole at the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) and IC90s that we have previously established. In order to evaluate this phenomenon, we investigated the DNA fragmentation, one of the main characteristics of PCD, with quantitative and qualitative techniques. Also, the changes related to phosphatidylserine exposure on the external cell membrane and cell permeability were studied. Finally, because caspases are key to PCD pathways, caspase activity was evaluated in Acanthamoeba. All the drugs assayed in this study induced PCD in Acanthamoeba. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where PCD induced by drugs is described quantitatively and qualitatively in Acanthamoeba.
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Derda M, Solarczyk P, Cholewiński M, Hadaś E. Genotypic characterization of amoeba isolated from Acanthamoeba keratitis in Poland. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1233-7. [PMID: 25604673 PMCID: PMC4336404 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are the causative factor of many diseases. Among others, they cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a condition that usually occurs in contact lens wearers, though it is also observed in non-wearers. The number of diagnosed cases of AK increased more than eightfold during 8 years in the USA, and a proportional increase in frequency also occurred in Poland and Europe. Cases of AK are usually diagnosed late, and their therapy is difficult and rarely successful. AK is an uncommon diagnosis in Poland. The increased number of positive cases observed in our laboratory may reflect the growing at-risk population of contact lens wearers. Acanthamoeba as a genus of facultative human parasites is currently classified into 17 genotypes. Isolates belonging to seven genotypes were found to be associated with AK. One genotype in particular, T4, was found to be overrepresented in human disease. The main finding of our study is that in Poland, AK is almost always associated with the T4 genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Derda
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland,
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Liu JH, Chang HY, Ji WT, Tzeng KJ, Huang SW, Huang YL. Seasonal distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species from drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:3766-3773. [PMID: 25263419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3651-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to detect the presence/absence of Acanthamoeba along with geographical variations, water quality variations and seasonal change of Acanthamoeba in Taiwan was investigated by 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR. Samples were collected quarterly at 19 drinking water reservoir sites from November 2012 to August 2013. Acanthamoeba was detected in 39.5 % (30/76) of the water sample, and the detection rate was 63.2 % (12/19) from samples collected in autumn. The average concentration of Acanthamoeba was 3.59 × 10(4) copies/L. For geographic distribution, the detection rate for Acanthamoeba at the northern region was higher than the central and southern regions in all seasons. Results of Spearman rank test revealed that heterotrophic plate count (HPC) had a negative correlation (R = -0.502), while dissolved oxygen (DO) had a positive correlation (R = 0.463) in summer. Significant differences were found only between the presence/absence of Acanthamoeba and HPC in summer (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). T2 and T4 genotypes of Acanthamoeba were identified, and T4 was the most commonly identified Acanthamoeba genotypes. The presence of Acanthamoeba in reservoirs presented a potential public health threat and should be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Proteomic profiling of the infective trophozoite stage of Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Acta Trop 2014; 140:166-72. [PMID: 25149354 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba polyphaga is a free-living protozoan pathogen, whose infective trophozoite form is capable of causing a blinding keratitis and fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans. The damage caused by A. polyphaga trophozoites in human corneal or brain infections is the result of several different pathogenic mechanisms that have not yet been elucidated at the molecular level. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the proteins expressed by A. polyphaga trophozoites, based on complementary 2-DE MS/MS and gel-free LC-MS/MS approaches. Overall, 202 non-redundant proteins were identified. An A. polyphaga proteomic map in the pH range 3-10 was produced, with protein identification for 184 of 370 resolved spots, corresponding to 142 proteins. Additionally, 94 proteins were identified by gel-free LC-MS/MS. Functional classification revealed several proteins with potential importance for pathogen survival and infection of mammalian hosts, including surface proteins and proteins related to defense mechanisms. Our study provided the first comprehensive proteomic survey of the trophozoite infective stage of an Acanthamoeba species, and established foundations for prospective, comparative and functional studies of proteins involved in mechanisms of survival, development, and pathogenicity in A. polyphaga and other pathogenic amoebae.
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Iqbal J, Naeem K, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. In vitro inhibition of protease-activated receptors 1, 2 and 4 demonstrates that these receptors are not involved in an Acanthamoeba castellanii keratitis isolate-mediated disruption of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145 Suppl:S78-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Fuerst PA. Insights from the DNA databases: Approaches to the phylogenetic structure of Acanthamoeba. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145 Suppl:S39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sunada A, Kimura K, Nishi I, Toyokawa M, Ueda A, Sakata T, Suzuki T, Inoue Y, Ohashi Y, Asari S, Iwatani Y. In Vitro Evaluations of Topical Agents to Treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Ophthalmology 2014; 121:2059-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Isolation and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia mandrillaris from combination shower units in Costa Rica. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:4117-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cateau E, Delafont V, Hechard Y, Rodier M. Free-living amoebae: what part do they play in healthcare-associated infections? J Hosp Infect 2014; 87:131-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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