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Vingataramin Y, Quétel I, Pons MA, Talarmin A, Marcelino I. Spatiotemporal distribution of thermophilic free-living amoebae in recreational waters: A 5-year survey in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173318. [PMID: 38777057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria fowleri and Sappinia pedata are naturally widespread in freshwater, causing rare but fatal and debilitating infections in humans. Although recent studies have shown an increase in infection rates, there is a paucity of epidemiological studies regarding the presence of these emerging pathogens in water. Herein, we studied the diversity and relative abundance of thermophilic FLA in different recreational baths in a tropical climate for 5 years. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 96 water samples were collected from 7 recreational baths (natural, tiled, regularly cleaned or not, and with temperatures ranging from 27 to 40 °C). DNA was extracted from FLA cultivated at 37 °C to detect thermophilic culturable FLA. Metabarcoding studies were conducted through FLA 18S rRNA gene amplicons sequencing; amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were extracted from each sample and taxonomy assigned against PR2 database using dada2 and phyloseq tools. We also searched for Naegleria sp. and N. fowleri using PCR targeting ITS and NFITS genes (respectively) and we quantified them using an optimized most probable number (MPN) method for FLA. Our results showed that differences in FLA diversity and abundance were observed amongst the 7 baths, but without a clear seasonal distribution. Naegleria, Vermamoeba and Stenamoeba were the most represented genera, while the genera Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia were mainly found in 2 baths. The MPN values for Naegleria sp. (NT/l) increased between 2018 and 2022, but the MPN values for N. fowleri (NF/l) seemed to decrease. Globally, our results showed that since we cannot establish a seasonal distribution of FLA, the regular presence of FLA (namely Naegleria and Acanthamoeba) in recreational waters can pose a potential threat in terms of neuroinfections as well as Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is thus imperious to perform the regular control of these baths as a preventive health measure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaure Quétel
- Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Marie-Anne Pons
- Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, France
| | - Antoine Talarmin
- Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Isabel Marcelino
- Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France.
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Mcgee LMC, Carpinteyro Sanchez AG, Perieteanu M, Eskandari K, Bian Y, Mackie L, Young L, Beveridge R, Suckling CJ, Roberts CW, Scott FJ. Strathclyde minor groove binders (S-MGBs) with activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024:dkae221. [PMID: 38980760 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba spp. is the causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Strathclyde minor groove binders (S-MGBs) are a promising new class of anti-infective agent that have been shown to be effective against many infectious organisms. OBJECTIVES To synthesize and evaluate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a panel of S-MGBs, and therefore determine the potential of this class for further development. METHODS A panel of 12 S-MGBs was synthesized and anti-Acanthamoeba activity was determined using an alamarBlue™-based trophocidal assay against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Cross-screening against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was used to investigate selective potency. Cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells allowed for selective toxicity to be measured. DNA binding studies were carried out using native mass spectrometry and DNA thermal shift assays. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION S-MGB-241 has an IC50 of 6.6 µM against A. castellanii, comparable to the clinically used miltefosine (5.6 µM) and negligible activity against the other organisms. It was also found to have an IC50 > 100 µM against HEK293 cells, demonstrating low cytotoxicity. S-MGB-241 binds to DNA as a dimer, albeit weakly compared to other S-MGBs previously studied. This was confirmed by DNA thermal shift assay with a ΔTm = 1 ± 0.1°C. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data provide confidence that S-MGBs can be further optimized to generate new, potent treatments for Acanthameoba spp. infections. In particular, S-MGB-241, has been identified as a 'hit' compound that is selectively active against A. castellanii, providing a starting point from which to begin optimization of DNA binding and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M C Mcgee
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Marina Perieteanu
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kaveh Eskandari
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yan Bian
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Logan Mackie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Louise Young
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rebecca Beveridge
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin J Suckling
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig W Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fraser J Scott
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Chen L, Han W, Jing W, Feng M, Zhou Q, Cheng X. Novel anti- Acanthamoeba effects elicited by a repurposed poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor AZ9482. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414135. [PMID: 38863831 PMCID: PMC11165085 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acanthamoeba infection is a serious public health concern, necessitating the development of effective and safe anti-Acanthamoeba chemotherapies. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) govern a colossal amount of biological processes, such as DNA damage repair, protein degradation and apoptosis. Multiple PARP-targeted compounds have been approved for cancer treatment. However, repurposing of PARP inhibitors to treat Acanthamoeba is poorly understood. Methods In the present study, we attempted to fill these knowledge gaps by performing anti-Acanthamoeba efficacy assays, cell biology experiments, bioinformatics, and transcriptomic analyses. Results Using a homology model of Acanthamoeba poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), molecular docking of approved drugs revealed three potential inhibitory compounds: olaparib, venadaparib and AZ9482. In particular, venadaparib exhibited superior docking scores (-13.71) and favorable predicted binding free energy (-89.28 kcal/mol), followed by AZ9482, which showed a docking score of -13.20 and a binding free energy of -92.13 kcal/mol. Notably, the positively charged cyclopropylamine in venadaparib established a salt bridge (through E535) and a hydrogen bond (via N531) within the binding pocket. For comparison, AZ9482 was well stacked by the surrounding aromatic residues including H625, Y652, Y659 and Y670. In an assessment of trophozoites viability, AZ9482 exhibited a dose-and time-dependent anti-trophozoite effect by suppressing Acanthamoeba PARP activity, unlike olaparib and venadaparib. An Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis assay revealed AZ9482 induced trophozoite necrotic cell death rather than apoptosis. Transcriptomics analyses conducted on Acanthamoeba trophozoites treated with AZ9482 demonstrated an atlas of differentially regulated proteins and genes, and found that AZ9482 rapidly upregulates a multitude of DNA damage repair pathways in trophozoites, and intriguingly downregulates several virulent genes. Analyzing gene expression related to DNA damage repair pathway and the rate of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites indicated DNA damage efficacy and repair modulation in Acanthamoeba trophozoites following AZ9482 treatment. Discussion Collectively, these findings highlight AZ9482, as a structurally unique PARP inhibitor, provides a promising prototype for advancing anti-Acanthamoeba drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Han
- Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Jing
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Cardoso IR, de Lima CS, dos Reis RB, Pinto ACA, Pissinatti T, Kugelmeier T, Neto SFDC, da Silva FA, Santos HLC. Occurrence of Free-Living Amoebae in Non-Human Primate Gut. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:108. [PMID: 38787041 PMCID: PMC11125615 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome reflects health and predicts possible disease in hosts. A holistic view of this community is needed, focusing on identifying species and dissecting how species interact with their host and each other, regardless of whether their presence is beneficial, inconsequential, or detrimental. The distribution of gut-associated eukaryotes within and across non-human primates is likely driven by host behavior and ecology. To ascertain the existence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in the gut of wild and captive non-human primates, 101 stool samples were collected and submitted to culture-dependent microscopy examination and DNA sequencing. Free-living amoebae were detected in 45.4% (46/101) of fecal samples analyzed, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba spp., heterolobosean amoeboflagellates and fan-shaped amoebae of the family Vannellidae. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed that the suspected amoebae are highly homologous (99% identity and 100% query coverage) with Acanthamoeba T4 genotype and Vermamoeba vermiformis amoebae. The results showed a great diversity of amoebae in the non-human primate's microbiome, which may pose a potential risk to the health of NHPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of free-living amoebae in non-human primates that are naturally infected. However, it is unknown whether gut-borne amoebae exploit a viable ecological niche or are simply transient residents in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Rodrigues Cardoso
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (I.R.C.); (C.S.d.L.); (R.B.d.R.)
| | - Clezia Siqueira de Lima
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (I.R.C.); (C.S.d.L.); (R.B.d.R.)
- Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, da Universidade Federal Fluminense, Nova Friburgo 28625-650, Brazil
| | - Rhagner Bonono dos Reis
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (I.R.C.); (C.S.d.L.); (R.B.d.R.)
| | - Ana Cristina Araujo Pinto
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 26382-462, Brazil; (A.C.A.P.); (T.P.); (T.K.); (F.A.d.S.)
| | - Thalita Pissinatti
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 26382-462, Brazil; (A.C.A.P.); (T.P.); (T.K.); (F.A.d.S.)
| | - Tatiana Kugelmeier
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 26382-462, Brazil; (A.C.A.P.); (T.P.); (T.K.); (F.A.d.S.)
| | | | - Fabio Alves da Silva
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 26382-462, Brazil; (A.C.A.P.); (T.P.); (T.K.); (F.A.d.S.)
| | - Helena Lúcia Carneiro Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (I.R.C.); (C.S.d.L.); (R.B.d.R.)
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Goudot S, Mathieu L, Herbelin P, Soreau S, Jorand FPA. Growth dynamic of biofilm-associated Naegleria fowleri in freshwater on various materials. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1369665. [PMID: 38511008 PMCID: PMC10951111 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1369665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In industrial water systems, the occurrence of biofilm-associated pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Naegleria fowleri is a potential hygienic problem, and factors associated with its occurrence remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of four cooling circuit materials on the growth of N. fowleri in a freshwater biofilm formed at 42°C and under a hydrodynamic shear rate of 17 s-1 (laminar flow): polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel, brass, and titanium. Colonization of the freshwater biofilms by N. fowleri was found to be effective on polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel, and titanium. For these three materials, the ratio of (bacterial prey)/(amoeba) was found to control the growth of N. fowleri. All materials taken together, a maximum specific growth rate of 0.18 ± 0.07 h-1 was associated with a generation time of ~4 h. In contrast, no significant colonization of N. fowleri was found on brass. Therefore, the contribution of copper is strongly suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Goudot
- EDF Recherche et Développement, Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement, Chatou, France
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| | | | - Pascaline Herbelin
- EDF Recherche et Développement, Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement, Chatou, France
| | - Sylvie Soreau
- EDF Recherche et Développement, Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement, Chatou, France
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Lê HG, Kang JM, Võ TC, Yoo WG, Hong Y, Na BK. (‒)-Epicatechin reveals amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii by activating the programmed cell death pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 125:155389. [PMID: 38306720 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause human infections such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis and acanthamoeba keratitis. However, no specific drug to treat the diseases has been developed. Therefore, the discovery or development of novel drugs for treating Acanthamoeba infections is urgently needed. The anti-protozoan activity of (‒)-epicatechin (EC) has been reported, suggesting it is an attractive anti-protozoal drug candidate. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii was assessed and its mechanism of action was unveiled. METHODS The amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii trophozoites and the cytotoxicity of EC in HCE-2 and C6 cells were determined with cell viability assay. The underlying amoebicidal mechanism of EC against A. castellanii was analyzed by the apoptosis/necrosis assay, TUNEL assay, mitochondrial dysfunction assay, caspase-3 assay, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The cysticidal activity of EC was also investigated. RESULTS EC revealed amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites with an IC50 of 37.01 ± 3.96 µM, but was not cytotoxic to HCE-2 or C6 cells. EC induced apoptotic events such as increases in DNA fragmentation and intracellular reactive oxygen species production in A. castellanii. EC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction in the amoebae, as evidenced by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reductions in ATP production. Caspase-3 activity, autophagosome formation, and the expression levels of autophagy-related genes were also increased in EC-treated amoebae. EC led to the partial death of cysts and the inhibition of excystation. CONCLUSION EC revealed promising amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites via programmed cell death events. EC could be a candidate drug or supplemental compound for treating Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Tuấn Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea.
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The 4-Aminomethylphenoxy-Benzoxaborole AN3057 as a Potential Treatment Option for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0150622. [PMID: 36688657 PMCID: PMC9933681 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01506-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease caused by the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri. A major obstacle is the requirement for drugs with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which are used in extremely high doses, cause severe side effects, and are usually ineffective. We discovered that the 4-aminomethylphenoxy-benzoxaborole AN3057 exhibits nanomolar potency against N. fowleri, and experimental treatment of infected mice significantly prolonged survival and demonstrated a 28% relapse-free cure rate.
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Sinonasal Amoebiasis: An Unexpected Cause of Sinonasal Necroinflammatory Disease. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:102-110. [PMID: 35968953 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
While amoebic infection is widely known as a cause of gastroenteritis, keratitis, and meningoencephalitis, amoebae are challenging to recognize at unexpected sites. Despite multiple case reports of sinonasal amoebiasis, amoebic infection is not regularly considered in the differential diagnosis of sinonasal necroinflammatory disease. Here, we aim to characterize the pathologic features of sinonasal amoebiasis to facilitate better recognition. We identified sinonasal amoebiasis in 4 men, median age of 67 years (range: 37 to 71 y). All were immunocompromised, including 2 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 1 with human immunodeficiency virus, and 1 with human immunodeficiency virus and kidney transplant. Patients presented with nasal mucosal necrosis or polypoid masses, with facial ulceration in 1 patient and distant dermal nodules in another. Biopsies displayed extensive necrotic debris and inflammation. Although amoebic cysts were abundant in 3 cases, they were mistaken for yeast at frozen section in 1 case; 1 case showed only rare trophozoites that were not recognized on initial biopsy. Periodic acid Schiff and Grocott Methenamine Silver stains highlighted the organisms, and polymerase chain reaction confirmed Acanthamoeba species in 3 cases tested. 2 patients responded well to antiprotozoal medications, but 2 died of disease. Overall, sinonasal amoebiasis presents as a necroinflammatory process in patients immunocompromised for various reasons. Amoebae can mimic other organisms or be incredibly scarce, requiring active consideration to recognize amoebiasis and differentiate it from overlapping conditions like invasive fungal sinusitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Because sinonasal amoebiasis is highly treatable when diagnosed promptly, pathologists play a critical role in the recognition of this rare necroinflammatory disease.
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Wang Y, Jiang L, Zhao Y, Ju X, Wang L, Jin L, Fine RD, Li M. Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1147077. [PMID: 37089530 PMCID: PMC10113681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1147077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoa, which exists widely in nature and is mainly distributed in soil and water. Acanthamoeba usually exists in two forms, trophozoites and cysts. The trophozoite stage is one of growth and reproduction while the cyst stage is characterized by cellular quiescence, commonly resulting in human infection, and the lack of effective monotherapy after initial infection leads to chronic disease. Acanthamoeba can infect several human body tissues such as the skin, cornea, conjunctiva, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, especially when the tissue barriers are damaged. Furthermore, serious infections can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, skin, and lung infections. With an increasing number of Acanthamoeba infections in recent years, the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba is becoming more relevant to mainstream clinical care. This review article will describe the etiological characteristics of Acanthamoeba infection in detail from the aspects of biological characteristic, classification, disease, and pathogenic mechanism in order to provide scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Wang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Linzhe Jiang
- General Surgery, Jilin People’s Hospital, Jilin City, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xiaohong Ju
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Ryan D. Fine
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Mingguang Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
- *Correspondence: Mingguang Li,
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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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Stetkevich SA, Le ST, Ford AR, Brassard A, Kiuru M, Fung MA, Tartar DM. Isolated cutaneous acanthamoebiasis under prophylactic anticryptococcal treatment in an immunocompromised patient. JAAD Case Rep 2022; 28:77-79. [PMID: 36097622 PMCID: PMC9463523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A. Stetkevich
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Stephanie T. Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Adam R. Ford
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Alain Brassard
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Maija Kiuru
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
- Department of Dermatopathology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Maxwell A. Fung
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
- Department of Dermatopathology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Danielle M. Tartar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
- Correspondence to: Danielle M. Tartar, MD, PhD, University of California, Davis, 3301 C Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA 95819.
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Seas C, Legua P. Meningoencephalitis Due to Free-Living Amoebas in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sinclair AN, de Graffenried CL. Cell division: Naegleria bundles up for mitosis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R269-R271. [PMID: 35349811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
How well do we understand the range of mechanisms used by eukaryotes for mitosis? A new study in a highly divergent eukaryote shows that unusual tubulin isoforms can create a mitotic spindle exclusively out of microtubule bundles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Sinclair
- Abveris, 480 Neponset Street Suite 10B, Canton, MA 02021, USA
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