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Chomicz L, Szaflik JP, Szostakowska B, Izdebska J, Baltaza W, Łazicka-Gałecka M, Kuligowska A, Machalińska A, Zawadzki PJ, Szaflik J. Successive Acanthamoeba Corneal Isolates Identified in Poland Monitored in Terms of In Vitro Dynamics. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1174. [PMID: 37317148 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba cause a sight-threatening infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is considered a rare disease in humans but poses an increasing threat to public health worldwide, including in Poland. We present successive isolates from serious keratitis preliminary examined in terms of the identification and monitoring of, among others, the in vitro dynamics of the detected strains. METHODS Clinical and combined laboratory methods were applied; causative agents of the keratitis were identified at the cellular and molecular levels; isolates were cultivated in an axenic liquid medium and regularly monitored. RESULTS In a phase-contrast microscope, Acanthamoeba sp. cysts and live trophozoites from corneal samples and in vitro cultures were assessed on the cellular level. Some isolates that were tested at the molecular level were found to correspond to A. mauritanensis, A. culbertsoni, A. castellanii, genotype T4. There was variability in the amoebic strain dynamics; high viability was expressed as trofozoites' long duration ability to intense multiply. CONCLUSIONS Some strains from keratitis under diagnosis verification and dynamics assessment showed enough adaptive capability to grow in an axenic medium, allowing them to exhibit significant thermal tolerance. In vitro monitoring that was suitable for verifying in vivo examinations, in particular, was useful to detect the strong viability and pathogenic potential of successive Acanthamoeba strains with a long duration of high dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chomicz
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek P Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Independent Public Clinical Ophthalmology Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Justyna Izdebska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Independent Public Clinical Ophthalmology Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wanda Baltaza
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Łazicka-Gałecka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Independent Public Clinical Ophthalmology Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kuligowska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Machalińska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paweł J Zawadzki
- Clinic of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery and Implantology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Szaflik
- Laser Eye Microsurgery Centre Clinic of Prof. Jerzy Szaflik, Brand Med Medical Research Centre, 00-215 Warsaw, Poland
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Mohd Hussain RH, Afiqah WN, Abdul Ghani MK, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Anuar TS. In vitro effects of multi-purpose contact lens disinfecting solutions towards survivability of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 in Malaysia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:2352-2359. [PMID: 33911949 PMCID: PMC8071914 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has been increasing since the previous decades, especially among contact lens users. This infection is majorly caused by the use of ineffective contact lens disinfecting solution. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of multi-purpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Acanthamoeba genotype T4 isolated from contact lens paraphernalia and an environmental strains were propagated for trophozoite or cyst-containing culture and adjusted in final concentration of 1 × 105 cells/ml. Amoebicidal and cysticidal assays were conducted by incubating trophozoites and cysts with OPTI-FREE® Express®, ReNu® Fresh™, Complete® Multi-Purpose Solution and AVIZOR Unica® Sensitive according to the manufacturer’s minimum recommended disinfectant time (MMRDT) for up to 12 h at 30 ⁰C. Trypan blue hemocytometer-based microscopic counts determined amoebicidal and cysticidal effects. The viability of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts was confirmed by re-inoculated them in the 1.5% non-nutrient agar plates. It was found that none of the MPDS showed amoebicidal and cysticidal effects during the MMRDT. However, OPTI-FREE® Express® demonstrated a significant differences in average cell reduction for both stages within MMRDT. When subjected to 12 h exposure, both OPTI-FREE® Express® and ReNu® Fresh™ led to significant reduction in the number of trophozoite and cyst cells. Notably, Complete® Multi-Purpose Solution and AVIZOR Unica® Sensitive did appreciably improve the solution effectiveness towards trophozoite cells when incubated for 12 h. All MPDS were largely ineffective, with 100% survival of all isolates at MMRDT, while OPTI-FREE® Express® showed limited amoebicidal activity against the contact lens paraphernalia isolate, however, it was more against the environmental strains after 12 h incubation time. The commercially available MPDS employed in this research offered minimal effectiveness against the protozoa despite the contact time. Improvement or development of new solution should consider the adjustment of the appropriate disinfectant concentration, adequate exposure time or the incorporation of novel chemical elements, which are effective against Acanthamoeba for accelerated disinfecting and more reduction of potential exposure of contact lens users to Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosnani Hanim Mohd Hussain
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nur Afiqah
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Kamel Abdul Ghani
- Programme of Biomedical Sciences, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia.,Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
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Singh A, Acharya M, Jose N, Gandhi A, Sharma S. 18S rDNA sequencing aided diagnosis of Acanthamoeba jacobsi keratitis -A case report. Indian J Ophthalmol 2020; 67:1886-1888. [PMID: 31638063 PMCID: PMC6836588 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2019_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of Acanthamoeba cysts and trophozoites in cases of keratitis is traditionally done with microbiological techniques such as smear examination with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture. Double walled cyst with hexagonal inner wall is characteristic of Acanthamoeba. We report a unique case of a 9 year old boy who presented with dense anterior corneal stromal infltration, which on smear examination showed atypical double walled spherical cysts, leading to a diagnostic dilemma. An 18S rRNA gene-based PCR done on the growth on culture, subsequently identifed a rarely reported species of Acanthamoeba. The patient was advised combination therapy with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB 0.02%) and chlorhexidine (0.02%) eye drops. Three weeks post treatment, the keratitis resolved with scarring and vascularisation and visual acuity improved to 20/60. At 8 weeks follow up Best corrected visual acuity further improved to 20/30 with contact lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Singh
- Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Nicy Jose
- Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpan Gandhi
- Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Hernández-Martínez D, Reyes-Batlle M, Castelan-Ramírez I, Hernández-Olmos P, Vanzzini-Zago V, Ramírez-Flores E, Sifaoui I, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J, Omaña-Molina M. Evaluation of the sensitivity to chlorhexidine, voriconazole and itraconazole of T4 genotype Acanthamoeba isolated from Mexico. Exp Parasitol 2019; 197:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Mohammed I, Said DG, Dua HS. Human antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface defense. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 61:1-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Evaluation of the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:997-1001. [PMID: 28124137 PMCID: PMC5313585 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eye diseases caused by amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are usually chronic and severe, and their treatment is prolonged and not very effective. The difficulties associated with therapy have led to attempts at finding alternative treatment methods. Particularly popular is searching for cures among drugs made of plants. However, no substances with total efficacy in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis have been identified. Results of our semi in vivo studies of tea tree oil simulating eyeball infection demonstrated 100% effectiveness in the case of both trophozoites and cysts of amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba. The action of tea tree oil indicates that this is the first substance with a potential ability to quickly and effectively remove the amoebae from the eye. Tea tree oil has the ability to penetrate tissues, which allows it to destroy amoebae in both the shallow and deep layers of the cornea. The present research into the use of tea tree oil in the therapy of Acanthamoeba infection is the first study of this type in parasitology. It offers tremendous potential for effective treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis and other diseases caused by these protozoa.
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Abjani F, Khan NA, Yousuf FA, Siddiqui R. Targeting cyst wall is an effective strategy in improving the efficacy of marketed contact lens disinfecting solutions against Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2016; 39:239-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Acanthamoeba infection in lungs of mice expressed by toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4). Exp Parasitol 2016; 165:30-4. [PMID: 26940205 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune responses to a variety of pathogens including parasites. TLRs are among the most highly conserved in the evolution of the receptor family, localized mainly on cells of the immune system and on other cells such as lung cells. The aim of this study was to determine for the first time the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the lung of Acanthamoeba spp. infected mice using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The Acanthamoeba spp. were isolated from a patient with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) (strain Ac 55) and from environmental samples of water from Malta Lake (Poznań, Poland - strain Ac 43). We observed a significantly increased level of expression of TLR2 as well as TLR4 mRNA from 2 to 30 days post Acanthamoeba infection (dpi) in the lungs of mice infected with Ac55 (KP120880) and Ac43 (KP120879) strains. According to our observations, increased TLR2 and TLR4 expression in the pneumocytes, interstitial cells and epithelial cells of the bronchial tree may suggest an important role of these receptors in protective immunity against Acanthamoeba infection in the lung. Moreover, increased levels of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in infected Acanthamoeba mice may suggest the involvement of these TLRs in the recognition of this amoeba pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP).
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Acanthamoeba genotypes T3 and T4 as causative agents of amoebic keratitis in Mexico. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:873-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4821-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Morphological and molecular identification of free living amoeba isolated from hospital water in Tunisia. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:431-5. [PMID: 26468150 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are opportunistic and ubiquitous protozoa that are widely found in various environmental sources. They are known to cause serious human infections. The aim of our study was to detect FLA and Acanthamoeba spp. in hospital water circuits. Eighty-four water samples were collected over a period of 4 months (September-December 2011) from different wards of the Sfax University Hospital (surgical services, intensive care unit, operating theater, and water storage tanks). FLA were detected in 53.5 % of samples as follows: surgical services (80 %), operating theater and surgical intensive care unit (13.3 %), medical intensive care unit (0 %), water storage tanks (6.6 %). The predominant morphotype was the acanthopodial (89 %). The others morphotypes were as follows: monopodial (40 %), dactylopodial (22 %), rugosa (62 %), eruptive (24 %), fan shaped (18 %), and polypodial (18 %). Acanthamoeba was found in 40 samples (47.6 %). 64.2 % of isolates were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. by PCR, using primers to amplify a region of 18S rDNA which showed variation in the product length. Sequence analysis of five PCR products identified Acanthamoeba sp. These isolates belong to T4, T10, and T11 genotypes, and to our knowledge this is the first report of the T10 and T11 genotype in Tunisia.The occurrence of potentially pathogenic FLA in the hospital environment may represent a health risk for patients, since these organisms can cause severe opportunistic illness and also can harbor pathogenic agents. Thus, increased awareness regarding these parasites and recognition of their importance, particularly in immunocompromised patients is crucial.
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