1
|
Corsaro D, Mrva M, Colson P, Walochnik J. Validation and redescription of Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964 (Amoebozoa: Acanthamoebidae). Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126091. [PMID: 38772052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii (Douglas, 1930) Page, 1967 is the type species of a widespread genus of free-living amoebae, potentially pathogenic for humans and animals. The Neff strain is one of the most widely used in biological research, serving as a model for both A. castellanii and the whole genus in general. The Neff strain, isolated in California, closely resembles another strain found in France and originally described as a separate species, Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964, but both were successively synonymized with A. castellanii. Molecular sequence analysis has largely replaced morphological diagnosis for species identification in Acanthamoeba, and rDNA phylogenies show that the Neff strain forms a distinct lineage from that of the type strain of A. castellanii. In this study, we compared the type strain of A. terricola with the Neff strain and A. castellanii, and analysed the available molecular data including new sequences obtained from A. terricola. Here we provide molecular evidence to validate the species A. terricola. The Neff strain is therefore transferred to A. terricola and should no longer be considered as belonging to A. castellanii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS - 12, rue du Maconnais, F-54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Martin Mrva
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Philippe Colson
- Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1095 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee S, Alkathiri B, Jung JS, Kang N, Hwang J, Park SE, Hong Y, Park KM, Lee SH. Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2024; 62:139-144. [PMID: 38443777 PMCID: PMC10915269 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba infection is associated with keratitis in humans; however, its association with keratitis in dogs remains unclear. To investigate this possibility, we collected 171 conjunctival swab samples from dogs with eye-related diseases (65 with keratitis and 106 without keratitis) at Chungbuk National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Korea, from August 2021 to September 2022. Polymerase chain reaction identified 9 samples (5.3%) as Acanthamoeba positive; of these, 3 were from dogs with keratitis (4.6%) and 6 were from dogs without keratitis (5.7%). Our results indicated no significant association between Acanthamoeba infection and keratitis, season, sex, or age. All Acanthamoeba organisms found in this study had the genotype T4, according to 18S ribosomal RNA analysis. Acanthamoeba infection in dogs might have only a limited association with keratitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subin Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Badriah Alkathiri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Ji Seung Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Nanyoung Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Jiyi Hwang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944,
Korea
| | - Kyung-Mee Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aykur M, Dagci H. Molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri in soil samples using quantitative real-time PCR assay in Turkey; Hidden danger in the soil! Acta Trop 2023:106956. [PMID: 37244403 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106956] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri are pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) and are commonly found in the environment, particularly soil. This pathogenic FLA causes central nervous system-affecting granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) or primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and can also cause keratitis and skin infections. In the present study, we aimed to determine the quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in soil samples collected from places where human contact is high by using a qPCR assay in Izmir, Turkey. A total of 45.71% (n=16) of Acanthamoeba spp., 20% (n=7) of B. mandrillaris, and 17.4% (n=6) of N. fowleri were detected in five different soil sources by the qPCR assay. The quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in various soil sources was calculated at 10 × 105 - 6 × 102, 47 × 104 to 39 × 103, and 9 × 103 - 8 × 102 plasmid copies/gr, respectively. While the highest quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp. and B. mandrillaris was determined in garden soil samples, N. fowleri was detected in potting soil samples. Three different genotypes T2 (18.75%), T4 (56.25%), and T5 (25%) were identified from Acanthamoeba-positive soil samples. Acanthamoeba T4 genotype was the most frequently detected genotype from soil samples and is also the most common genotype to cause infection in humans and animals. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study to identify genotype T5 in soil samples from Turkey. In conclusion, people and especially children should be aware of the hidden danger in the garden and potting soil samples that come into contact most frequently. Public health awareness should be raised about human infections that may be encountered due to contact with the soil. Public health specialists should raise awareness about this hidden danger in soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University Medical School, Tokat, Turkey; Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tuska-Szalay B, Kelly H, Takács N, Kontschán J, Votýpka J, Hornok S. Molecular evidence of Monocercomonas and Acanthamoeba in the feces of captive reptiles. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3681-3687. [PMID: 36184660 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07677-3] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are frequently kept as pet animals. They are considered as important reservoirs of protozoa with veterinary-medical significance. At a reptile farm in Ireland, fecal samples were collected from 98 captive reptiles, representing 43 species of three orders (Squamata, Testudines, and Crocodylia). After DNA extraction, all samples were screened by conventional PCRs, targeting the ribosomal small subunit (SSU) RNA and alpha-tubulin genes of trichomonads and SSU RNA gene of Acanthamoeba spp. One leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was positive for a not yet reported species/genotype of the genus Monocercomonas, different from M. colubrorum. Various Acanthamoeba genotypes were detected in six reptilian species, i.e., Acanthamoeba genotype T11 in Eunectes notaeus and Heloderma suspectum/horridum; genotype T4 in Varanus exanthematicus, Chlamydosaurus kingii, and Macrochelys temminckii; and the genotype T13 in Iguana iguana. Some of these amoeba species might have clinicopathological significance in both humans and animals. Our findings highlight the importance to monitor pathogenic protozoa in pet as well as wildlife reptiles, as a source of possible infection for animals and humans living nearby.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Hannah Kelly
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dirim Erdogan D, Aykur M, Selvi Gunel N, Palamar M, Barut Selver O, Ozel B, Yagci A, Gunduz C, Dagci H. The Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: First Time Detection of Acanthamoeba T5 Genotype from Keratitis Patients in Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1384-1392. [PMID: 35864410 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00596-4] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study is to investigate Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis cases (n = 60), in contact lens (CL) and lens care solutions of asymptomatic CL users (n = 41), and to identify the genotypes in positive samples. The secondary aim is to assess the risk factors and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients. METHODS All samples from patients and asymptomatic CL users were examined by microscopy and inoculated in non-nutrient agar plates. PCR was performed using the DNA isolated from corneal scrapings, CL and lens care solution samples. Positive DNA samples were sequenced to determine the genotype of Acanthamoeba. RESULTS In none of the samples, Acanthamoeba was identified by microscopy, while Acanthamoeba was detected in a patient with keratitis by culture method. However, Acanthamoeba was detected in 11.66% (7/60) of the keratitis patients by PCR. The genotypes of these isolates detected by sequencing were T4 (4), and T5 (3). Acanthamoeba was detected in none of the samples of asymptomatic CL users by any of the three methods. CONCLUSION To best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect T5 genotype in AK patients from Turkey. In addition, the CL use was found to be an important risk factor for AK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Dirim Erdogan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Nur Selvi Gunel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Melis Palamar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Barut Selver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Buket Ozel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Yagci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kaufman AR, Tu EY. Advances in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis: A review of the literature and synthesized algorithmic approach. Ocul Surf 2022; 25:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
7
|
Detection and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. in stray cats from Madrid, Spain. Exp Parasitol 2018; 188:8-12. [PMID: 29501695 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. is a widespread protozoan that has been isolated from air, dust, soil, water and biological samples. An opportunistic pathogen of humans and animals, it may cause ocular keratitis, encephalitis, and even multisystem disease. The frequency of Acanthamoeba in animals is unknown. The aim of present study was determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in immunocompromised stray cats - animals possibly more likely to harbour the infection given their immunocompromised status and frequenting of contaminated environments. Of 307 cats examined, 55 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukaemia virus and therefore included in the study. Corneal scrapings were obtained to isolate Acanthamoeba spp. by culture and molecular detection by conventional and real time PCR. None of the samples examined directly by molecular methods were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. However, two (3.6%) cases of the cultured samples provided positive results, which were confirmed by subsequent molecular analysis. Sequencing assigned one isolate to genotype T4 and the other to T2. Since Acanthamoeba spp. may also infect animals and humans, the present findings may raise some public health and veterinary concerns.
Collapse
|
8
|
Karakavuk M, Aykur M, Şahar EA, Karakuş M, Aldemir D, Döndüren Ö, Özdemir HG, Can H, Gürüz AY, Dağcı H, Döşkaya M. First time identification of Acanthamoeba genotypes in the cornea samples of wild birds; Is Acanthamoeba keratitis making the predatory birds a target? Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:137-142. [PMID: 28807756 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba which can be isolated from environment and among others well known as an opportunist protozoan parasite causing infections in humans and animals. Eyes are extremely important for the wild birds and losing sight ability due to Acanthamoeba can be dangerous. The studies on Acanthamoeba infection in wild birds is very few in world and Turkey therefore we aimed to screen deceased wild birds found in İzmir and Manisa provinces located in western Turkey using PCR and non-nutrition agar (NNA) plate method. Cornea samples were obtained from 18 deceased wild birds. During the external examination, signs of keratitis were observed in two Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus). All of the corneal samples were analyzed by two PCR methods and NNA plate. According to results, the Acanthamoeba positivity in corneal samples was 16.6% and 5.5% by PCR and plate method, respectively. According to sequencing data, two of isolates belonged to genotype T5 and one was genotype T4. In conclusion, Acanthamoeba infection was detected in wild bird cornea samples with/without keratitis for the first time in the world. The result of this study also show that Acanthamoeba can be a cause of keratitis in wild birds of Turkey and thus these predator birds can be a target of other wild animals due to loss of sight ability. In terms of public health, these results show the importance of wild birds as a source of Acanthamoeba infection in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Karakavuk
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Esra Atalay Şahar
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Karakuş
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Duygu Aldemir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludağ University Institute of Health Sciences, Görükle Campus, Nilüfer, Bursa, Turkey; İzmir Natural Life Park Branch Directorate, Municipality of İzmir, Sasalı, Çiğli, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ömer Döndüren
- The Protection and Development Union of İzmir Bird Paradise, Sasalı, Çiğli, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Gökhan Özdemir
- The Protection and Development Union of İzmir Bird Paradise, Sasalı, Çiğli, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Ege University Faculty of Science, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dağcı
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|