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Khairul WM, Hashim F, Rahamathullah R, Mohammed M, Aisyah Razali S, Ahmad Tajudin Tuan Johari S, Azizan S. Exploring ethynyl-based chalcones as green semiconductor materials for optical limiting interests. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 308:123776. [PMID: 38134650 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of molecular electronics from non-toxic functional materials which eventually would potentially able to degrade or being breaking down into safe by-products have attracted much interests in recent years. Hence, in this study, the introduction of mixed highly functional substructures of chalcone (-CO-CH=CH-) and ethynylated (C≡C) as building blocks has shown ideal performance as solution-processed thin film candidatures. Two types of derivatives, (MM-3a) and (MM-3b) repectively, showed a substantial Stokes shifts at 75 nm and 116 nm, in which such emission exhibits an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state and fluoresce characteristics. The density functional theory (DFT) simulation shows that MM-3a and MM-3b exhibit low energy gaps of 3.70 eV and 2.81 eV, respectively. TD-DFT computations for molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) were also used to emphasise the structure-property relationship. A solution-processed thin film with a single layer of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MM-3a-MM-3b/Au exhibited electroluminescence behaviour with orange and purple emissions when supplied with direct current (DC) voltages. To promote the safer application of the derivatives formed, ethynylated chalcone materials underwent toxicity studies toward Acanthamoeba sp. to determine their suitability as non-toxic molecules prior to the determination as safer materials in optical limiting interests. From the preliminary test, no IC50 value was obtained for both compounds via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay analysis and molecular docking analysis between MM-3a and MM-3b, with profilin protein exhibited weak bond interactions and attaining huge interaction distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan M Khairul
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Fatimah Hashim
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Biological Security and Sustainability Research Interest Group (BIOSES), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Rafizah Rahamathullah
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Level 1, Block S2, UniCITI Alam Campus, Sungai Chuchuh, Padang Besar, 02100 Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Mas Mohammed
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aisyah Razali
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Biological Security and Sustainability Research Interest Group (BIOSES), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Syed Ahmad Tajudin Tuan Johari
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Medical Campus. 20400 kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Suha Azizan
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Pourabbasi Ardekan A, Niyyati M, Saberi R, Zanjirani Farahani L, Fatemi M. Isolation and genotyping of Acanthamoeba species and Vahlkampfiidae in the harsh environmental conditions in the centre of Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1572-1579. [PMID: 37902210 PMCID: wh_2023_203 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Different species of free-living amoeba (FLA) have been abundantly isolated in harsh environmental conditions such as hot springs and brackish water. The present study aimed to isolate, genotype, and evaluate the pathogenicity of FLAs in Qom Roud, a large river, in the centre of Iran. About 500 mL of water samples (n = 30) were collected from each sampling site and were investigated for the presence of FLAs using morphological and molecular characters. Genotype identification was performed using DNA sequencing and a phylogenetic tree was constructed with the MEGA X software. The pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was evaluated using the tolerance ability test. Morphological and molecular analysis indicated that 14 (46.66%) and two (6.66%) water samples were positive for Acanthamoeba species and Vahlkampfiidae, respectively. According to sequence analysis, Acanthamoeba isolates related to the T4 genotype and Vahlkampfiidae sequences were similar to Naegleria philippinensis. In the next step, thermo- and osmotolerance tests indicated four Acanthamoeba strains are extremely pathogenic. Our data showed the presence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba T4 genotype and N. philippinensis in the super harsh Qom Roud. Contamination of water with virulent T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba may pose risk factors for contact lens users, children, and immunocompromised people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Pourabbasi Ardekan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Saberi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Leyli Zanjirani Farahani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zurita-Artaloitia JM, Rivera J, Vinuesa P. Extensive Cryptic Diversity and Ecological Associations Uncovered among Mexican and Global Collections of Naegleria and Vermamoeba Species by 18S Ribosomal DNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer, and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Sequence Analysis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0379522. [PMID: 36943092 PMCID: PMC10100766 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03795-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are phagocytic protists that play crucial roles in microbial communities as significant microbial grazers. However, our current knowledge of their diversity, ecology, and population genetic structures is marginal due to the shallow and biased sampling of ecosystems and the use of few, poorly resolving molecular markers. Thirty-two FLA were isolated from soil and water samples collected across representative ecosystems of the State of Morelos in Central Mexico, including the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) from the state capital. We classified our isolates as members of Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, Naegleria, and Tetramitus by 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing. Vermamoeba isolates were recovered exclusively from the DWDS samples. In contrast, Naegleria strains displayed a broad distribution in soil and water samples across the natural ecosystems. We used a combination of phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from our isolates and a comprehensive set of reference sequences to analyze the currently known diversity of Naegleria spp. Significant associations were uncovered between the most prevalent lineages of Naegleria and Vermamoeba and broad ecological and geographical variables at regional and global levels. The population structure and cryptic diversity within the Naegleria galeacystis-Naegleria americana and Vermamoeba vermiformis species complexes were thoroughly analyzed. Our results prove that the genus Vermamoeba, which was previously thought to consist of only one species, actually encompasses at least seven widely distributed species, as indicated by consistent evidence from Bayesian phylogenetics, two species-delimitation programs, and population genetics analyses. IMPORTANCE Our study sheds new light on the population genetic structure of V. vermiformis and diverse Naegleria species. Using improved molecular markers and advanced analytical approaches, we discovered that N. americana, previously considered a single species, actually contains multiple distinct lineages, as revealed by COI sequencing. These lineages are highly differentiated, with little gene flow between them. Our findings demonstrate that the genus Vermamoeba holds multiple cryptic species, requiring a significant taxonomic revision in light of multilocus sequence analyses. These results advance our understanding of the ecology, molecular systematics, and biogeography of these genera and species complexes at both regional and global scales. This study has significant implications for diagnosing amoebal infections and evaluating health risks associated with FLA in domestic and recreational waters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Rivera
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Pablo Vinuesa
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Mohammady A, Dalimi A, Ghafarifar F, Akbari M, Pirestani M. Genotyping of Acanthamoeba Isolated from Hospital Environments and Thermal Water of Recreational Baths in Markazi Province, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2023; 18:38-47. [PMID: 37197073 PMCID: PMC10183454 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Due to the opportunism character of Acanthamoeba, the presence of this parasite in the thermal water of recreational baths and hospital environments can be a risk to the health of staff, patients and others. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes isolated from the hospital environment and the thermal water of recreational baths in Markazi Province, central Iran. Methods Overall, 180 samples including thermal water from recreational baths in Mahallat City and dust, soil and water from different hospitals of Arak, Farahan and Komijan cities, central Iran were collected. The presence of Acanthamoeba was investigated using microscopic examination and molecular methods. The PCR and sequencing was performed based on a specific 18S fragment of ribosomal DNA. Results Based on the microscopic survey, totally 134 positive samples were detected including 35% in thermal water samples and 44.7% in hospital samples. In molecular analysis, 53.5% of the samples were identified as Acanthamoeba and 46.7% as Protacanthamoeba bohemica. The genotypes were detected as T4 (33.3%), T2 (10%), T11 (6.7%), and T5 (3.3%). Conclusion The T4 was the most common genotype found in hospitals sampling sites while the T2 genotype and P. bohemica were detected in thermal water sampling sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mohammady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghafarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Akbari
- Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3033-3050. [PMID: 36040629 PMCID: PMC9424809 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57–50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977–2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010–2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33–62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87–45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48–55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
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Khatoonaki H, Solhjoo K, Rezanezhad H, Armand B, Abdoli A, Taghipour A. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dental-unit water samples. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1126-1136. [PMID: 35902994 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the presence of free-living amoebae (FLAs) in various water sources has been reported, few studies have been surveyed on their abundance in medical-unit and dental-unit water samples. The current study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in the water samples of the dental unit in Iran. A total of 232 water samples were collected from 17 dental units. Then, filtration and cultivation were conducted on a non-nutrient agar (NNA) medium. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sequencing were performed by using the genus/species-specific primers plus a common primer set on positive samples. One hundred and sixty-six samples were positive for FLA by the microscopic method, whereas 114 samples were positive by the molecular method with a common primer set. Considering the PCR assay with genus/species-specific primers, 23.27% (54/232) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T4 genotype), 36.63% (85/232) as Vermamoeba vermiformis, and 1.72% (4/232) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria lovaniensis). These results highlight a need to improve filtration systems in dental units and periodic screenings for FLA in dental-unit water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Khatoonaki
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail:
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Belal Armand
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Javanmard E, Niyyati M, Taghipour A, Fatemi M, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in drinking, surface, and stagnant water sources from Alborz Province, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:620-629. [PMID: 35482379 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebas (FLAs) can cause neurological and ocular complications in humans. Water supplies play a critical role in transmitting FLAs to humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of FLAs in various aquatic sources including drinking water, stagnant water, and surface water in Alborz province, northern Iran, using morphological and molecular techniques. A total of 70 water samples were collected from 34 drinking waters, 23 surface waters, and 13 stagnant waters. Filtration and cultivation were employed to isolate FLAs. PCR assay was applied by using the genus-specific primers on positive samples. Pathogenicity tests (osmo- and thermo-tolerance properties) were performed for Acanthamoeba spp., positive sample. Considering the morphological criteria, four positive samples of Acanthamoeba sp., three Vermamoeba sp., two mixed Vermamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids, and one mixed Acanthamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids were isolated. Five Acanthamoeba sp. isolates were amplified using the JDP primer pairs. Among them, two genotypes, T4 (three isolates) and T5 (two isolates) corresponding to A. lenticulata, were identified. Four V. vermiformis samples were confirmed using the sequencing. This study highlighted the occurrence of potentially pathogenic waterborne FLAs in water habitats associated with high human activity. The results of such research on the prevalence of FLAs, as a human hazard, should be communicated to health policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail: ;
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail: ;
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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Edagawa A, Matsuda N, Ogura T, Uezono K, Izumiyama S, Fujii A. Microbial Contamination of Rubber Ducks Floating in Bathtubs of Bathing Facilities, and an Evaluation of Their Washing Methods. Biocontrol Sci 2022; 26:187-192. [PMID: 35013014 DOI: 10.4265/bio.26.187] [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: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Microbiological contamination inside rubber ducks floating in the bathtub at a "duck bath" of a bathing facility was analyzed by examining bacterial and amoebic counts. The results of microbial tests, such as standard plate count, heterotrophic plate count and Legionella-LAMP (Loopmediated isothermal amplification) , showed that microbial contamination increased in the rubber ducks over time. When the ducks were washed with sodium hypochlorite, those microbial contaminations were not detected; but when the ducks were washed with an electrolyzed water, the standard plate counts and the heterotrophic plate counts were detected in the amount of 103 per duck in the wipe samples. Without proper washing of rubber ducks, bacteria and free-living amoeba can grow and colonize biofilms, and can thereby cause infection in humans. Also, microbial contamination inside ducks may reduce chlorination of the entire bathtub and cause bacterial infection such as Legionellosis from the bathtub water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Edagawa
- Department of Environment Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health
| | - Norihiro Matsuda
- Product Development & Quality Control Department, Health Beauty Co., Ltd
| | | | | | - Shinji Izumiyama
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Akira Fujii
- Product Development & Quality Control Department, Health Beauty Co., Ltd
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First Evidence for Colonizing of Acanthamoeba T4 Genotype in Urinary Tracts of Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:932-937. [PMID: 33713274 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00358-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited evidence about the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in urine specimens collected from urinary catheters of the patients in the intensive care units persuaded our study. No evidence has been found about colonizing of Acanthamoeba spp., in urinary tracts of patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) yet. METHODS In this study, 50 urine samples were collected from patients presenting with recurrent UTI. The type of bacteria causing UTI was determined by using bacteriological tests. To cultivate Acanthamoeba spp., in a sterile condition, 10 mL of urine was centrifuged and the sediment was cultivated on non-nutrient agar. Genotypes were determined by sequencing the DF3 region of the 18S rRNA gene. RESULTS The bacteriological test findings on the urine samples of the UTI patients (n = 30) demonstrated that those were found to be positive for Escherichia coli (n = 17), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 4) and Klebsiella spp. (n = 3) respectively. Moreover, a total of 50 urine samples was examined; 6 (6/50; 12%) and 11 (11/50; 22%) were positive by using culture and the PCR test for Acanthamoeba spp., respectively. Sequencing analysis showed all isolates were T4 genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that the high relative prevalence of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype spp., in the urine of recurrent UTI patients. As well as, providing the first evidence for colonizing of the Acanthamoeba in the urinary tracts of patients with recurrent UTIs. These findings, warrant further investigation among those patients to fully appraise the role of Acanthamoeba spp., as possible latent carriers for resistant bacteria and biofilm formation in the future.
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Ozpinar N, Culha G, Kaya T, Yucel H. The amoebicidal activity of three substances derived from benzothiazole on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites and its cytotoxic potentials. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105981. [PMID: 34048787 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams, lakes, soil, and air filters. These amoebae are usually causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis in immunosuppressive individuals. In this study, the reproductive potential and morphological changes determined of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoite and cyst forms exposed to three different active substances derived from benzothiazole. Furthermore, the cytotoxic potential of these active substances determined by XTT analysis. In the study, axenic cultures prepared for Acanthamoeba castellanii cyst and trophozoite forms and parasite exposed to different concentrations of active substances. Cell counts of parasite cultures were performed at the 30 minutes, 1st, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hour periods. As a result of the study, the reproductive potential suppressive effects of all three substances on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were determined. The most effective of these substances was 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole. In the first three concentrations of this substance (0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%), no determined trophozoite and cysts at the end of twenty four. Due to its strong ameobicidal effect, it is thought that 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole may be a new therapeutic agent in diseases caused by acanthamoeba parasites by supporting this study with animal experiments.
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Giongo A, dos Anjos Borges LG, Marconatto L, de Lara Palhano P, Serbent MP, Moreira-Silva E, de Abreu Siqueira T, Martinho CT, Barili R, Paz LV, Moser LI, De Marco Veríssimo C, Ketzer JMM, Medina-Silva R. Adaption of microbial communities to the hostile environment in the Doce River after the collapse of two iron ore tailing dams. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04778. [PMID: 32923720 PMCID: PMC7475130 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In November 2015, two iron ore tailing dams collapsed in the city of Mariana, Brazil. The dams' collapse generated a wave of approximately 50 million m3 of a mixture of mining waste and water. It was a major environmental tragedy in Brazilian history, which damaged rivers, and cities 660 km away in the Doce River basin until it reached the ocean coast. Shortly after the incident, several reports informed that the concentration of metals in the water was above acceptable legal limits under Brazilian laws. Here the microbial communities in samples of water, mud, foam, and rhizosphere of Eichhornia from Doce River were analyzed for 16S and 18S rRNA-based amplicon sequencing, along with microbial isolation, chemical and mineralogical analyses. Samples were collected one month and thirteen months after the collapse. Prokaryotic communities from mud shifted drastically over time (33% Bray-Curtis similarity), while water samples were more similar (63% Bray-Curtis similarity) in the same period. After 12 months, mud samples remained with high levels of heavy metals and a reduction in the diversity of microeukaryotes was detected. Amoebozoans increased in mud samples, reaching 49% of microeukaryote abundance, with Discosea and Lobosa groups being the most abundant. The microbial communities’ structure in mud samples changed adapting to the new environment condition. The characterization of microbial communities and metal-tolerant organisms from such impacted environments is essential for understanding the ecological consequences of massive anthropogenic impacts and strategies for the restoration of contaminated sites such as the Doce River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Giongo
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo dos Anjos Borges
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Letícia Marconatto
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pâmela de Lara Palhano
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Pilar Serbent
- Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
- Sanitary Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Sanitary Engineering, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Ibirama, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Moreira-Silva
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago de Abreu Siqueira
- Geochemical Analyses Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Thais Martinho
- Sedimentology and Petrology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rosalia Barili
- Sedimentology and Petrology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lisiê Valéria Paz
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Letícia Isabela Moser
- Geochemical Analyses Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina De Marco Veríssimo
- Laboratory of Parasite Biology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Medina-Silva
- Geobiology Laboratory, Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Immunology and Microbiology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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Ozpinar N, Ozpinar H, Bakay BB, Tunc T. Amoebicidal activity of benzothiazole on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites and its cytotoxic potentials. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105322. [PMID: 31887263 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams and lakes, and soil. Granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis, caused by Acanthamoeba spp., usually occurs in chronically ill, debilitated individuals, in immunosuppressed patients and treatment is quite difficult. This study aimed to determine the effect of benzothiazole on trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba castellanii (A.castellanii). Axenic cultures of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts were prepared to test the amoebicidal activity of benzothiazole. The concentrations of benzothiazole in 24-well plates were prepared as 0.08%, 0.04%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.005%, and A. castellanii cysts and trophozoites were added to these cultures. Parasites were counted at 0, ½, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h in the cell counter after staining with trypan blue. Cytotoxicity of benzothiazole on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line was also tested. Between 0.08% and 0.01% concentrations of benzothiazole showed a strong amoebicidal activity at 24 and 48 h. A significant decrease in 0.005% concentration in the number of live trophozoites and cysts was detected between 6 and 48 h. As a result of the cytotoxicity studies, benzothiazole did not show any cytotoxic effect on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line even at 1% concentration. Benzothiazole could be concluded as a new therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba. On the other hand, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the biological effect.
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Feiz Haddad MH, Habibpour H, Mahmoudi MR. Isolation and molecular identification of free-living amoebae (Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp. and Vermamoeba spp.) from mineral springs in Guilan Province, northern Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:60-66. [PMID: 32129187 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include many genera which cause serious diseases such as sight-threatening keratitis, cutaneous ulcers and fatal encephalitis. This study was conducted due to the lack of research regarding genotypes Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba in mineral springs of Guilan Province in northern Iran. Twenty-five water samples were collected from mineral springs in Guilan Province. After filtration through nitrocellulose membrane, samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar plates. The morphological key of Page was used to identify free-living amoebae (FLA) using an inverted microscope. Positive cultures were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotypes based on the NCBI database. Eleven (44%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba. By sequencing the positive isolates, the strains were shown to belong to Acanthamoeba castellanii (three case isolates belonged to T4 genotype), three cases of Vermamoeba vermiformis, and two cases of N. australiensis, two cases of N. pagei and one case of N. gruberi. According to our research the occurrence of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria spp. and Vermamoeba spp. in mineral springs could be hazardous for high risk persons. Regular monitoring and posting warning signs of these waters by health planners could prevent free-living amoebae mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Feiz Haddad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Habib Habibpour
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran and Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Paramedicine School, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Mohd Hussain RH, Ishak AR, Abdul Ghani MK, Ahmed Khan N, Siddiqui R, Shahrul Anuar T. Occurrence and molecular characterisation of Acanthamoeba isolated from recreational hot springs in Malaysia: evidence of pathogenic potential. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2019; 17:813-825. [PMID: 31638031 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the Acanthamoeba genotypes and their pathogenic potential in five recreational hot springs in Peninsular Malaysia. Fifty water samples were collected between April and September 2018. Physical parameters of water quality were measured in situ while chemical and microbiological analyses were performed in the laboratory. All samples were filtered through the nitrocellulose membrane and tested for Acanthamoeba using both cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. The pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was identified using thermo- and osmotolerance tests. Thirty-eight (76.0%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba. Water temperature (P = 0.035), chemical oxygen demand (P = 0.026), sulphate (P = 0.002) and Escherichia coli (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly correlated with the presence of Acanthamoeba. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 24 samples belonged to genotype T4, nine (T15), two (T3) and one from each genotype T5, T11 and T17. Thermo- and osmotolerance tests showed that 6 (15.79%) of the Acanthamoeba strains were highly pathogenic. The existence of Acanthamoeba in recreational hot springs should be considered as a health threat among the public especially for high-risk people. Periodic surveillance of hot spring waters and posting warning signs by health authorities is recommended to prevent disease related to pathogenic Acanthamoeba.
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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 and Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - Ahmad Razali Ishak
- Centre of Environmental Health and Safety, 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 Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia and Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia E-mail:
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Development of a method to extract protozoan DNA from black soil. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 4:e00081. [PMID: 30662966 PMCID: PMC6324249 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2018.e00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Microorganisms in environmental samples are identified by sequential screening, isolation, and culture steps, followed by the verification of physiological characteristics and morphological classification. Isolation and purification of Amoebae from soil samples is extremely complex, laborious, and time-consuming and require considerable expertise for morphological evaluation. PCR testing of soil DNA seems to be an effective means for protozoa habitat screening. In this study, we added Acanthamoeba sp. (MK strain) to soil and developed a method of extracting protozoan DNA from the soil. Methods Soil allophane is a known DNA adsorbing substance that inhibits the PCR reaction. After comparing the soil properties and allophane contents of 7 soil samples, we attempted to combine multiple cell disruption and DNA purification methods to design an optimal soil DNA extraction method that can be used for downstream PCR analysis. Results We compared five different crushing/refining methods. Amplification of the gene was confirmed by Acanthamoeba specific PCR in protocol V where the concentration of Acanthamoeba in soil (1.0 × 102/g) was the detection limit of PCR. Conclusion The soil DNA extraction method following protocol V allows DNA amplification of protozoa, including Amoeba, which is difficult to cultivate, thus simplifying the investigation of protozoa habitats and genetic analyses.
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FEIZ HADDAD MH, KHOSHNOOD S, MAHMOUDI MR, HABIBPOUR H, ALI SA, MIRZAEI H, FEIZ HADDAD R, AHMADIANGALI K. Molecular Identification of Free-Living Amoebae ( Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp. and Vermamoeba spp.) Isolated from Un-improved Hot Springs, Guilan Province, Northern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 14:584-591. [PMID: 32099561 PMCID: PMC7028243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine the presence and molecular identify of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba in unimproved hot springs. METHODS From Jul to Aug 2017, 54 water samples were collected from hot springs in different parts of the Guilan Province, North Iran. For the isolation of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba approximately 500 ml of the water samples were filtered through a cellulose nitrate membrane with a pore size of 0.45 μm. The filter was transferred onto non-nutrient agar plates seeded with Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) as a food source. The morphological key of page was used to identify free-living amoebae (FLA) using an inverted microscope, PCR amplification targeting specific genes for each genus and sequencing determined frequent species and genotypes base on NCBI database. RESULTS Fifteen of the 54 samples were positive by culture and/or PCR for Acanthamoeba and other FLA from unimproved hot springs. By sequencing the positive isolates, the strains were shown to belong to Acanthamoeba castellanii (12 case isolates belonged to T4 genotype), 4 cases of V. vermiformis, and 3 cases of N. australiensis, 2 cases of N. pagei and 1 cases of N. gruberi. CONCLUSION Although FLA-mediated illnesses are not as high as in environmental distribution, but because of a poor prognosis, more investigations about FLA distribution in hot springs is critical. Hot spring may enhance exposure of the amoebae in individuals. Hence, more attention to unimproved hot springs is needed to prevent free-living amoebae mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein FEIZ HADDAD
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed KHOSHNOOD
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza MAHMOUDI
- Molecular and Cellular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Habib HABIBPOUR
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Selman A. ALI
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Habibollah MIRZAEI
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rezvan FEIZ HADDAD
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Kambiz AHMADIANGALI
- Department of Bio-Statistics, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Meighani M, Eslamirad Z, Hajihossein R, Ahmadi A, Saki S. Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba from Soil Samples in Markazi Province, Iran. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:2290-2294. [PMID: 30607178 PMCID: PMC6311493 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: A previous study confirmed the contamination of water sources with this parasite in Arak, Markazi Province, Iran. The current study investigated soil sources and determined the predominant genotype of Acanthamoeba in this region of Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight soil samples, collected from different regions of Arak, Markazi province, Iran, were evaluated in this study. The samples were processed and identified by culturing on a specific medium, performing PCR assay, and sequencing the PCR products. Finally, using the NCBI database, the genotypes were determined. RESULTS: Of 48 soil samples, 33.3% and 31.25% were contaminated with Acanthamoeba according to the culture and molecular assays, respectively. The majority of these isolates belonged to the T4, T5 and T6 genotypes of Acanthamoeba. CONCLUSION: The genotypes of most isolates from soil samples in Arak similar to other regions of Iran belong to T4 genotype of this parasite. New sequence accession numbers include MG066681 and MG298785-MG298794.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Meighani
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Arak, Iran
| | - Zahra Eslamirad
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Hajihossein
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Azam Ahmadi
- Infectious Disease Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Sassan Saki
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Arak, Iran
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Functional Assessment of 2,177 U.S. and International Drugs Identifies the Quinoline Nitroxoline as a Potent Amoebicidal Agent against the Pathogen Balamuthia mandrillaris. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.02051-18. [PMID: 30377287 PMCID: PMC6212833 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02051-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Balamuthia mandrillaris is responsible for hundreds of reported cases of amoebic encephalitis, the majority of which have been fatal. Despite being an exceptionally deadly pathogen, B. mandrillaris is understudied, leaving many open questions regarding epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Due to the lack of effective drugs to fight B. mandrillaris infections, mortality rates remain high even for patients receiving intensive care. This report addresses the need for new treatment options through a drug repurposing screen to identify novel B. mandrillaris inhibitors. The most promising candidate identified was the quinoline antibiotic nitroxoline, which has a long history of safe use in humans. We show that nitroxoline kills B. mandrillaris at pharmacologically relevant concentrations and exhibits greater potency and selectivity than drugs commonly used in the current standard of care. The findings that we present demonstrate the potential of nitroxoline to be an important new tool in the treatment of life-threatening B. mandrillaris infections. Balamuthia mandrillaris is a pathogenic free-living amoeba that causes a rare but almost always fatal infection of the central nervous system called granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Two distinct forms of B. mandrillaris—a proliferative trophozoite form and a nonproliferative cyst form, which is highly resistant to harsh physical and chemical conditions—have been isolated from environmental samples worldwide and are both observed in infected tissue. Patients suffering from GAE are typically treated with aggressive and prolonged multidrug regimens that often include the antimicrobial agents miltefosine and pentamidine isethionate. However, survival rates remain low, and studies evaluating the susceptibility of B. mandrillaris to these compounds and other potential therapeutics are limited. To address the need for more-effective treatments, we screened 2,177 clinically approved compounds for in vitro activity against B. mandrillaris. The quinoline antibiotic nitroxoline (8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline), which has safely been used in humans to treat urinary tract infections, was identified as a lead compound. We show that nitroxoline inhibits both trophozoites and cysts at low micromolar concentrations, which are within a pharmacologically relevant range. We compared the in vitro efficacy of nitroxoline to that of drugs currently used in the standard of care for GAE and found that nitroxoline is the most potent and selective inhibitor of B. mandrillaris tested. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nitroxoline prevents B. mandrillaris-mediated destruction of host cells in cultured fibroblast and primary brain explant models also at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Taken together, our findings indicate that nitroxoline is a promising candidate for repurposing as a novel treatment of B. mandrillaris infections.
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Dodangeh S, Kialashaki E, Daryani A, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Moghaddam YD, Hosseini SA. Isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp. from hot springs in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2018; 16:807-813. [PMID: 30285961 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2018.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan that can be found in natural and artificial environments such as hot tubs, surface water and springs and can cause severe diseases including amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The present study was conducted owing to the lack of research regarding genotypes of Acanthamoeba in hot springs of Mazandaran province in northern Iran. Twenty-four water samples were collected from all hot springs in Mazandaran province. After filtration through nitrocellulose membrane, samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar medium enriched with TYIS-33. The cultures were microscopically examined for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Positive cultures were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotypes were determined by targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. The pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was identified using thermotolerance and osmotolerance tests. Eleven (47.8%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba. Based on sequencing analysis, 100% of isolates belonged to the T4 genotype. Thermo- and osmo-tolerance tests showed that four (36.3%) Acanthamoeba strains were highly pathogenic. According to our research, the occurrence of Acanthamoeba in recreational hot springs could be a hazard for high risk persons. Posting warning signs and regular monitoring of these waters by health planners may therefore be useful for decreasing Acanthamoeba spp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Dodangeh
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail: ; Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Elham Kialashaki
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail: ; Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail:
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail: ; Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Yusef Dadi Moghaddam
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail: ; Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran E-mail: ; Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
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