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Xu H, Wang D, Cui K, Wan R, Chi Q, Wu T. 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in fatal Balamuthia Mandrillaris encephalitis in brain stem: A case report. Radiol Case Rep 2024; 19:1851-1854. [PMID: 38425772 PMCID: PMC10901688 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We presented a case of a 66-year-old female whose initial symptom was headache without obvious inducement. The patient's condition progressed rapidly to a semi-coma state after symptomatic treatment. The 18F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed circular FDG hypermetabolism and central metabolic defect of the pons and left frontal lobe lesions. The combination of clinical findings, MRI, and Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cerebrospinal fluid led to the diagnosis of Balamuthia mandrillaris encephalitis. The patient died 5 days after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualei Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe County People's Hospital, Taihe, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe County People's Hospital, Taihe, China
| | - Kunwei Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruimei Wan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe County People's Hospital, Taihe, China
| | - Quan Chi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe County People's Hospital, Taihe, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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2
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Qin L, Xiang Y, Wu Z, Zhang H, Wu X, Chen Q. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of fatal Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 119:105570. [PMID: 38382768 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105570] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE), caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris, is a rare and life-threatening infectious disease with no specific and effective treatments available. The diagnosis of BAE at an early stage is difficult because of the non-specific clinical manifestations and neuroimaging. CASE DESCRIPTION A 52-year-old male patient, who had no previous history of skin lesions, presented to the emergency department with an acute headache, walking difficulties, and disturbance of consciousness. The patient underwent a series of examinations, including regular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies and magnetic resonance imaging, and tuberculous meningoencephalitis was suspected. Despite being treated with anti-TB drugs, no clinical improvement was observed in the patient. Following corticosteroid therapy, the patient developed a rapid deterioration in consciousness with dilated pupils. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) revealed an unexpected central nervous system (CNS) amoebic infection, and the patient died soon after the confirmed diagnosis. CONCLUSION This study highlights the application of mNGS for the diagnosis of patients with suspected encephalitis or meningitis, especially those caused by rare opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Qin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqin Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziwei Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qihua Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Weger HG, Polasek AK, Wright DM, Damodaran A, Stavrinides J. Grazing preferences of three species of amoebae on cyanobacteria and green algae. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13018. [PMID: 38197812 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Twenty species/isolates of cyanobacteria and green algae were isolated from cyanobacterial bloom samples in lakes associated with the upper Qu'Appelle River drainage system in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Three amoebae species (Cochliopodium sp., Vannella sp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis) were also isolated from one of these samples, and were subjected to grazing assays to determine which species of cyanobacteria or algae could potentially serve as a food source. Amoeba grazing rates were quantified based on the diameter of the plaque after 12 days on agar plate assays, and by estimation of the amoeba population growth rate from the rate of increase of plaque area. The common cyanobacterial bloom-formers Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae supported high growth rates for all three amoebae, while green algae, with the exception of one green alga/amoeba combination, did not support growth of the tested amoebae. Many of the cyanobacterial and algal isolates that did not support amoebae growth were ingested, suggesting that ingestion did not determine grazing success. Overall, while the cyanobacteria Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were suitable food sources for the amoebae, the other cyanobacteria were grazed in an unpredictable manner, with some species/strains grazed by some amoebae and some species not grazed at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold G Weger
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - April K Polasek
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Derek M Wright
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Arun Damodaran
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John Stavrinides
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Fatemi M, Niyyati M, Rouhani S, Karamati SA, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Contamination of fresh vegetables in municipal stores with pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes; a public health concern. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:1010-1021. [PMID: 35443833 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2067328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. cause keratitis and encephalitis, and are a proper carrier of foodborne pathogens. A total of 70 samples including garden cress, chives, mint, parsley, and basil were collected. Samples were cultured onto a 2% non-nutrient agar medium. The cultures were analyzed using morphological and molecular techniques. In total, 18 (25.7%) out of 70 samples were positive including garden cress 10/22 (45.45%), chives 3/12 (25%), mint 2/13 (15.38%), basil 2/13 (15.38%), and parsley 1/10 (10%). The diagnostic fragment 3 was successfully sequenced in 15 samples and represented 11 (73.3%) T4, three (20%) T5, and one T9 genotypes. In addition, three, two, and one strains, belonging to the genotypes T4, T5, and T9 were ranked highly pathogenic. This is the first study reporting contamination of the most commonly consumed fresh vegetables with pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes. Our findings signify the public health concerns due the contamination of vegetables in municipal public markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziye Fatemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - 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
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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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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Marinho BTS, Santos DLD, Santos DLD, Rott MB. First report of free-living amoebae in watercourses in southern Brazil: molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of Vermamoeba vermiformis, Naegleria gruberi, and Acanthamoeba spp. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:972-980. [PMID: 37515566 PMCID: wh_2023_126 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa dispersed in different environments and are responsible for different infections caused to humans and other animals. Microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba sp., and Naegleria sp. are associated with diseases that affect the central nervous system, in addition to skin infections and keratitis, as occurs in the genus Acanthamoeba and with Vermamoeba vermiformis. Due to the concerns of these FLA in anthropogenic aquatic environments, this work aimed to identify these microorganisms present in waters of Porto Alegre, Brazil. One litre sample was collected in two watercourses during the summer of 2022 and inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates containing heat-inactivated Escherichia coli. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of FLA of the genera Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, and Naegleria in the study areas. Genetic sequencing indicated the presence of V. vermiformis and Naegleria gruberi. These aquatic and anthropogenic environments can serve as a means of spread and contamination by FLA, which gives valuable information on public health in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Teixeira Scardini Marinho
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil
| | - Daniel Leal Dos Santos
- Faculty of Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue, N 6681, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Protozoology Laboratory, Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2600, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-002, Brazil
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Chao-Pellicer J, Arberas-Jiménez I, Delgado-Hernández S, Sifaoui I, Tejedor D, García-Tellado F, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Cyanomethyl Vinyl Ethers Against Naegleria fowleri. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37167960 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic amoeba that causes a fulminant and rapidly progressive disease affecting the central nervous system called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Moreover, the disease is fatal in more than 97% of the reported cases, mostly affecting children and young people after practicing aquatic activities in nontreated fresh and warm water bodies contaminated with these amoebae. Currently, the treatment of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is based on a combination of different antibiotics and antifungals, which are not entirely effective and lead to numerous side effects. In the recent years, research against PAM is focused on the search of novel, less toxic, and fully effective antiamoebic agents. Previous studies have reported the activity of cyano-substituted molecules in different protozoa. Therefore, the activity of 46 novel synthetic cyanomethyl vinyl ethers (QOET-51 to QOET-96) against two type strains of N. fowleri (ATCC 30808 and ATCC 30215) was determined. The data showed that QOET-51, QOET-59, QOET-64, QOET-67, QOET-72, QOET-77, and QOET-79 were the most active molecules. In fact, the selectivity index (CC50/IC50) was sixfold higher when compared to the activities of the drugs of reference. In addition, the mechanism of action of these compounds was studied, with the aim to demonstrate the induction of a programmed cell death process in N. fowleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Chao-Pellicer
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna 38203, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38200, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Iñigo Arberas-Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna 38203, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38200, Spain
| | - Samuel Delgado-Hernández
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Química. Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna 38203, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38200, Spain
| | - David Tejedor
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Química. Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain
| | - Fernando García-Tellado
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, La Laguna 38206, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Química. Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife 38206, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna 38203, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38200, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna 38203, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38200, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28220, Spain
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Liu J, Zhang W, Wu S, Zeng T, Luo F, Jiang Q, Yang R. A clinical case report of Balamuthia granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in a non-immunocompromised patient and literature review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:245. [PMID: 37072710 PMCID: PMC10114318 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08228-6] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balamuthia granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) is a peculiar parasitic infectious disease of the central nervous system, about 39% of the infected Balamuthia GAE patients were found to be immunocompromised and is extremely rare clinically. The presence of trophozoites in diseased tissue is an important basis for pathological diagnosis of GAE. Balamuthia GAE is a rare and highly fatal infection for which there is no effective treatment plan in clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION This paper reports clinical data from a patient with Balamuthia GAE to improve physician understanding of the disease and diagnostic accuracy of imaging and reduce misdiagnosis. A 61-year-old male poultry farmer presented with moderate swelling pain in the right frontoparietal region without obvious inducement three weeks ago. Head computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) revealed a space-occupying lesion in the right frontal lobe. Intially clinical imaging diagnosed it as a high-grade astrocytoma. The pathological diagnosis of the lesion was inflammatory granulomatous lesions with extensive necrosis, suggesting amoeba infection. The pathogen detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is Balamuthia mandrillaris, the final pathological diagnosis was Balamuthia GAE. CONCLUSION When a head MRI shows irregular or annular enhancement, clinicians should not blindly diagnose common diseases such as brain tumors. Although Balamuthia GAE accounts for only a small proportion of intracranial infections, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanlian Wu
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianxiang Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhua Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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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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10
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Deserti MI, Lorenzo-Morales J, Acuña FH. Hydra-Amoeba system: a double infection with a lethal ending. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20211025. [PMID: 37162082 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320211025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Within each ecosystem, organisms and populations maintain a complex set of relationships. These interactions can determine the distribution area of a species and play an essential role in its evolution. Parasites are ubiquitous components of nature and have a high influence on various aspects of the biology and ecology of organisms, affecting the populations of their hosts and, therefore, their communities and ecosystems. Free-living amoebae are unicellular organisms that can be found in water, soil or air. Some species are of great importance in human health. In Hydra, there are several reports of Hydramoeba hydroxena infections. In this work we present a double parasitosis: two concatenated infectious periods in the host polyp of Hydra vulgaris and Hydra vulgaris pedunculata for three freshwater bodies in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hydramoeba sp. and Acanthoamoeba sp. unchain a series of anatomical lesions that in all cases cause the death of the polyps due to total disintegration. This finding becomes important at a sanitary level due to the appearance of Acanthoamoeba sp. in waters associated with human recreational activities; For the Hydra genus, the importance lies at an ecological and evolutionary level, considering the possible impact on its natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Deserti
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, 2° Piso, Mar del Plata, 7600 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n, Campus de Anchieta, Apartado 456, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11 Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabián H Acuña
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, 2° Piso, Mar del Plata, 7600 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Estación Científica Coiba (Coiba-AIP), Calle Gustavo Lara, Edificio 145B, 7144 Clayton, Panamá
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11
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Andalib S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Niyyati M, Shalileh F, Nemati S, Rouhani S, Zali MR, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Free-living amoebae in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156301. [PMID: 35636544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Free Living Amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous microorganisms reported from harsh environmental conditions. Oil refinery facilities consume vast volumes of water during their processes, generating a large amount of wastewater. The present study aimed to evaluate the wastewater treatment process in an oil refinery wastewater treatment facility (ORWWTF) for the presence of FLA. Water samples were collected from an oil refinery wastewater (ORWW) for nine months. After recording physical-chemical features, samples were cultivated onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). The discriminative fragments of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were amplified and sequenced to characterize the isolated FLA. Phylogenetic tree, and network analysis were employed to evaluate genetic relationships. The thermo- and osmotolerant tests were performed on the isolated FLA. Twenty-five (32.9%) samples were positive for FLA cultivation. Acanthamoeba spp., Vahlkampfiids, and Vermamoeba spp. were detected, of which Acanthamoeba species were predominant. There was no statistical correlation between pH, NH3, PO4, H2S, and TDS with the presence of FLA. A statistical correlation between the presence of FLA and the type of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was significant (P-value = 0.011). All Acanthamoeba spp. isolates belonged to the genotypes T4 (17/21; 80.95%) and T11 (4/21; 19.05%). Vahlkampfiids were Naegleria spp., (7/10; 70%), Tetramitus aberdonicus (1/10; 10%), Learamoeba spp., (1/10; 10%), and Vahlkampfia spp., (1/10; 10%). All three Vermamoeba spp. were V. vermiformis. The ORWW contains toxic materials, and a few microorganisms can stay active in these environments. This is the first study which isolates FLA from such super harsh conditions. For the first time, T. aberdonicus, and Learamoeba spp., were isolated from oily wastewater. Our findings signify the concern due to the distribution of potentially pathogenic FLA to downstream lands via treated wastewater that may be released after treatment processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Andalib
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Shalileh
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - 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
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Nicosia University Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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12
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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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Nageeb MM, Eldeek HEM, Attia RAH, Sakla AA, Alkhalil SS, Farrag HMM. Isolation and morphological and molecular characterization of waterborne free-living amoebae: Evidence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae in Assiut, Upper Egypt. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267591. [PMID: 35802617 PMCID: PMC9269480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are gaining attention due to the increasing number of related grave central nervous system (CNS) and sight-threatening eye infections and their role as Trojan horses for many bacteria and viruses. This study was conducted in Assiut City, Egypt to detect the presence of FLA in different water sources using morphological and molecular approaches and determine their potential pathogenicity. A total of 188 water samples (100 tap, 80 tank, and 8 swimming pool samples) were collected, cultivated on non-nutrient agar seeded with Escherichia coli, and inspected for FLA. Thermo- and osmo-tolerance assays were performed to determine their pathogenicity. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis were performed to confirm the identification and analyze the genotype. Overall, 52 samples (27.7%) were positive for FLA. Of these, 20.7% were identified as Acanthamoeba, 1.6% as Vahlkampfiidae, and 5.3% as mixed Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae. Seven species of Acanthamoeba were recognized, of which A. triangularis, A. polyphaga, A. lenticulata, and A. culbertsoni are thermo- and osmo-tolerant, and A. astronyxis, A. comandoni, and A. echinulata are non-thermo- and non-osmo-tolerant. The phylogeny analysis revealed T4 and T7 genotypes. Among Vahlkampfiids, 61.5% were identified as thermo- and osmo-tolerant Vahlkampfia, and 30.8% were identified as non-pathogenic Naegleria. One isolate (7.7%) was identified as potentially pathogenic Allovahlkampfia, as confirmed by sequencing. This is the first report documenting the occurrence and phylogeny of waterborne FLA (Acanthamoeba/Vahlkampfiidae) in Assiut, Egypt. The presence of potentially pathogenic FLA highlights the possible health hazards and the need for preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M. Nageeb
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hanan E. M. Eldeek
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Rasha A. H. Attia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Atef A. Sakla
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Samia S. Alkhalil
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haiam Mohamed Mahmoud Farrag
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Fani M, Fuerst PA, Mosayebi M, Javadi A, Harandi MF, Saraei M, Badri M, Hajialilo E. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of free-living amoeba in the water resources of Arak, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1051-1063. [PMID: 35902987 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.030] [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
The aim of the present study was to detect free-living amoeba (FLA) in the water resources of Arak, Iran using molecular tools. A total of 154 samples were collected from different water supplies. Molecular analyses, sequencing, and phylogenetic study were conducted to confirm the species and genotypes of FLA. Fisher exact test was used to determine the significance. Of 154 water samples, 19 (12.3%) samples were tested positive for FLA. Three genotypes of Acanthamoeba including T4, subtype D, and T5 were identified among the isolates. The pathogenicity assay showed that the isolate of Acanthamoeba in drinking water was highly pathogenic. Three species of Naegleria, including N. australiensis, N. pagei, and N. gruberi were found among the samples. Six isolates of Vermamoeba were identified as V. vermiformis. Meanwhile, three other species including Vannella sp., Vahlkampfia avara, and Stenamoeba polymorpha were also recovered from the water samples. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the various water resources contaminated with FLA. This is the first study to reveal the presence of S. polymorpha in water sources in Iran. According to the findings of the present study, health officials should be beware of potential public health impacts of FLA in water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Fani
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Paul A Fuerst
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mahdi Mosayebi
- Department of Parasitology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Amir Javadi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran E-mail:
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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15
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Geballa-Koukoulas K, La Scola B, Blanc G, Andreani J. Diversity of Giant Viruses Infecting Vermamoeba vermiformis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:808499. [PMID: 35602053 PMCID: PMC9116030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.808499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus in 2003 using the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga caused a paradigm shift in the virology field. Twelve years later, using another amoeba as a host, i.e., Vermamoeba vermiformis, novel isolates of giant viruses have been discovered. This amoeba–virus relationship led scientists to study the evolution of giant viruses and explore the origins of eukaryotes. The purpose of this article is to review all the giant viruses that have been isolated from Vermamoeba vermiformis, compare their genomic features, and report the influence of these viruses on the cell cycle of their amoebal host. To date, viruses putatively belonging to eight different viral taxa have been described: 7 are lytic and 1 is non-lytic. The comparison of giant viruses infecting Vermamoeba vermiformis has suggested three homogenous groups according to their size, the replication time inside the host cell, and the number of encoding tRNAs. This approach is an attempt at determining the evolutionary origins and trajectories of the virus; therefore, more giant viruses infecting Vermamoeba must be discovered and studied to create a comprehensive knowledge on these intriguing biological entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Geballa-Koukoulas
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Khalil Geballa-Koukoulas,
| | - Bernard La Scola
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Blanc
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Andreani
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Julien Andreani,
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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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17
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Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of free-living amoeba (Naegleria and Acanthamoeba) from treated and untreated drinking water. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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18
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Potgieter N, van der Loo C, Barnard TG. Co-Existence of Free-Living Amoebae and Potential Human Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Rural Household Water Storage Containers. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121228. [PMID: 34943143 PMCID: PMC8698325 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In many households in rural communities, water needed for drinking and cooking is fetched from rivers, fountains, or boreholes shared by the community. The water is then stored in various storage containers for several days without treatment and exposed to several conditions that could potentially contaminate the water and cause diseases. If the storage containers are not regularly and properly cleaned, biofilms can form inside the containers. Several microorganisms can be found inside the biofilm that can potentially cause diseases in humans. One such group of organisms is called free-living amoebae, which graze on the bacteria found inside the biofilm. Several of these potentially harmful bacteria have adapted and can survive inside these free-living amoebae and potentially cause diseases when ingested by humans. Abstract This study investigated the co-existence of potential human pathogenic bacteria and free-living amoebae in samples collected from stored water in rural households in South Africa using borehole water as a primary water source. Over a period of 5 months, a total of 398 stored water and 392 biofilm samples were collected and assessed. Free-living amoebae were identified microscopically in 92.0% of the water samples and 89.8% of the biofilm samples. A further molecular identification using 18S rRNA sequencing identified Vermamoeba vermiformis, Entamoeba spp., Stenamoeba spp., Flamella spp., and Acanthamoeba spp. including Acanthamoeba genotype T4, which is known to be potentially harmful to humans. Targeted potential pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the water samples using standard culture methods and identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., and other emerging opportunistic pathogens such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were identified. The results showed the importance of further studies to assess the health risk of free-living amoebae and potential human pathogenic bacteria to people living in rural communities who have no other option than to store water in their homes due to water shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Potgieter
- One Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Clarissa van der Loo
- Water and Health Research Centre, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2112, Gauteng, South Africa; (T.G.B.); (C.v.d.L.)
| | - Tobias George Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2112, Gauteng, South Africa; (T.G.B.); (C.v.d.L.)
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Biglarnia F, Solhjoo K, Rezanezhad H, Taghipour A, Armand B. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:454-461. [PMID: 34676414 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab155] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living amoeba (FLA), including Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia and Vermamoeba, have been isolated from water, sand, soil, dust and air. Numerous studies considered that FLA are a significant cause of neurological and ocular complications in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units in Iran. METHODS A total of 328 dialysis fluid samples were collected from 16 dialysis machines, including 164 samples before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) and 164 samples after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning). Filtration and cultivation were performed on non-nutrient agar medium. Also, PCR and sequencing were applied by using the genus-specific primers along with a common primer set on positive samples. RESULTS Both morphology and molecular investigations showed that 22.5% (74/328) of dialysis fluid samples were positive for FLA. There was a positive relationship between the high frequency of FLA after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning) compared with before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) (OR=2.86; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.45). Considering the PCR assay, 16.46% (54/328) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T3 and T4 genotypes), 5.18% (17/328) as Vermamoeba vermiformis and 0.91% (3/328) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria pagei and Allovahlkampfia). CONCLUSION The present results support a need to improve filtration and purification methods for dialysis fluid of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units. They also highlight the relevance of periodic screenings for FLA-related diseases in hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Biglarnia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Belal Armand
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen 78120, Germany
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20
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Norouzi M, Saberi R, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Mirjalali H, Fatemi M, Javanmard E, Karamati SA. Molecular Identification of Pathogenic Free-Living Amoeba from Household Biofilm Samples in Iran: A Risk Factor for Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102098. [PMID: 34683419 PMCID: PMC8537737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. However, they are also the causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans and other animals. A biofilm comprises any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface. Moreover, FLA have been detected in various biofilms around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to check for presence of FLA in samples from household biofilms in Iran and to characterize them at the molecular level. A total of 69 biofilm samples collected from showerheads, kitchen areas, and bathroom sinks were analyzed. Positive samples for FLA were characterized at the morphological and molecular levels. Furthermore, the results of morphology analysis indicated that 26.08% (18/69) of biofilm samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba genus, and Vahlkampfiids. According to sequence analysis, five strains of Acanthamoeba isolates related to the T4 genotype and two strains belonged to the T2 genotype. In addition, the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba-positive isolates was conducted using the tolerance ability test. The results of BLASTn of Vermamoeba sequences were similar to what was expected for Vermamoeba vermiformis. The above-mentioned reasons revealed that the relative high contamination of household biofilm samples with FLA may pose a risk for people using soft contact lenses and for patients with traumatic cataract. Our finding proposes that filtration should be performed in shower heads and indicates the need to monitor people at increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48175, Iran;
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran
- Correspondence: or
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran;
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14114, Iran;
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 57169, Iran;
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21
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Fabros MRL, Diesta XRS, Oronan JA, Verdejo KS, Garcia JASM, Sophia Romey M, Milanez GDJ. Current report on the prevalence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:563-574. [PMID: 34371494 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs is considered a public health concern. FLAs are known to cause serious health outcomes to a wide spectrum of mammalian hosts. The present study aimed to provide the distribution of isolated cases of FLAs in hot springs through a systematic review process of available published articles online. Relevant studies are published between January 2010 and January 2020 involving the isolation of Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia spp., Sappinia spp., and Vermamoeba spp. in natural hot springs in the United States, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Articles were identified through a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Out of 94 articles screened, a total of 20 articles are included in the study with consideration of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common FLAs isolated in hot springs are Acanthamoeba spp. (134; 48.5%) and Naegleria spp. (127; 46.0%). Other FLAs isolated in hot springs include Balamuthia spp. (2; 0.7%) and Vermamoeba spp. (13; 4.7%). FLA in hot springs used for recreational and medical purposes is a potential source of infection. It is recommended that strict surveillance and maintenance of hot springs be implemented to prevent potential future infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Anthony Oronan
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Kim Sofia Verdejo
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | | | - Ma Sophia Romey
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail: ; Division III (Medical Sciences), National Research Council of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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22
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High oxygen concentrations inhibit Acanthamoeba spp. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3001-3005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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van der Loo C, Bartie C, Barnard TG, Potgieter N. Detection of Free-Living Amoebae and Their Intracellular Bacteria in Borehole Water before and after a Ceramic Pot Filter Point-of-Use Intervention in Rural Communities in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3912. [PMID: 33917870 PMCID: PMC8068299 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous in nature, whereas amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB) have evolved virulent mechanisms that allow them to resist FLA digestion mechanisms and survive inside the amoeba during hostile environmental conditions. This study assessed the prevalence of FLA and ARB species in borehole water before and after a ceramic point-of-use intervention in rural households. A total of 529 water samples were collected over a five-month period from 82 households. All water samples were subjected to amoebal enrichment, bacterial isolation on selective media, and molecular identification using 16S PCR/sequencing to determine ARB species and 18S rRNA PCR/sequencing to determine FLA species present in the water samples before and after the ceramic pot intervention. Several FLA species including Acanthamoeba spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were isolated. The ceramic pot filter removed many of these microorganisms from the borehole water. However, design flaws could have been responsible for some FLA and ARB detected in the filtered water. FLA and their associated ARB are ubiquitous in borehole water, and some of these species might be potentially harmful and a health risk to vulnerable individuals. There is a need to do more investigations into the health risk of these organisms after point-of-use treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa van der Loo
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa; (C.v.d.L.); (T.G.B.)
| | | | - Tobias George Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa; (C.v.d.L.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Natasha Potgieter
- Environmental Health, Domestic Hygiene and Microbial Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 1950, South Africa
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24
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Kot K, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N, Kosik-Bogacka D. Immunopathogenicity of Acanthamoeba spp. in the Brain and Lungs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1261. [PMID: 33514026 PMCID: PMC7865479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebas, including Acanthamoeba spp., are widely distributed in soil, water, and air. They are capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba pneumonia, Acanthamoeba keratitis, and disseminated acanthamoebiasis. Despite low occurrence worldwide, the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba spp. infections is very high, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. Acanthamoeba infections are a medical problem, owing to limited improvement in diagnostics and treatment, which is associated with incomplete knowledge of pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and the host immune response against Acanthamoeba spp. infection. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Acanthamoeba spp.-host interactions, including the expression of Toll-like receptors, mechanisms of an immune response, the activity of metalloproteinases, the secretion of antioxidant enzymes, and the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases. We show the relationship between Acanthamoeba spp. and the host at the cellular level and host defense reactions that lead to changes in the selected host's organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (N.Ł.-A.)
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (N.Ł.-A.)
| | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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25
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Reyes‐Batlle M, Gabriel MF, Rodríguez‐Expósito R, Felgueiras F, Sifaoui I, Mourão Z, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Piñero JE, Lorenzo‐Morales J. Evaluation of the occurrence of pathogenic free-living amoeba and bacteria in 20 public indoor swimming pool facilities. Microbiologyopen 2021; 10:e1159. [PMID: 33650798 PMCID: PMC7859502 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, indoor swimming pool activities have increased to promote health-enhancing physical activities, which require establishing suitable protocols for disinfection and water quality control. Normally, the assessment of the microbial quality of the water in the pools only considers the presence of different bacteria. However, other less frequent but more resistant pathogens, such as free-living amoebas (FLA), are not contemplated in both existing recommendation and research activities. FLA represent a relevant human health risk, not only due to their pathogenicity but also due to the ability to act as vehicles of other pathogens, such as bacteria. Therefore, this work aimed to study the physicochemical characteristics and the occurrence of potentially pathogenic FLA and bacteria in water samples from 20 public indoor swimming facilities in Northern Portugal. Our results showed that some swimming pools presented levels of pH, free chlorine, and conductivity out of the recommended limits. Pathogenic FLA species were detected in two of the facilities under study, where we also report the presence of both, FLA and pathogenic bacteria. Our findings evidence the need to assess the occurrence of FLA and their existence in the same environmental niche as pathogenic bacteria in swimming pool facilities worldwide and to establish recommendations to safeguard the health of the users.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes‐Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Marta F. Gabriel
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | - Rubén Rodríguez‐Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
| | - Fátima Felgueiras
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Zenaida Mourão
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | | | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo‐Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
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26
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Khorsandi Rafsanjani M, Hajialilo E, Saraei M, Alizadeh SA, Javadi A. Isolation and Molecular Identification of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria from Agricultural Water Canal in Qazvin, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 15:393-402. [PMID: 33082804 PMCID: PMC7548464 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v15i3.4204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Free-living amoeba (FLA) are widely distributed in different environmental sources. The most genera of the amoeba are Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba. The most common consequences of the infections in immune-deficient and immuno-competent persons are amoebic encephalitis and keratitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria spp., isolated from the main agricultural water canal in Qazvin. Methods: Totally, 120 water specimens were collected and later the specimens were cultured and cloned to identify positive samples. PCR amplification and sequencing were carried out to identify the isolated species as well as the genotypes of amoeba. Results: According to morphological surveys, 41.7% (50/120) of water specimens were positive for FLA. Molecular analysis revealed that 68.6% and 31.4% of Acanthamoeba specimens were identified as T3 and T4 genotypes, respectively. Also, two species of Naegleria named as N. lovaniensis (57.1%) and Naegleria sp. (42.8%) were identified. The results of pathogenicity assays demonstrated that 38.5% of T3 and 61.5% of T4 genotypes of Acanthamoeba were highly pathogenic parasites. Conclusion: The water flowing in the agricultural canal of the area is contaminated with potential pathogenic FLA, therefore, it is recommended that more attention to be paid towards proper treatment of water sources to prevent possible risk of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Safar Ali Alizadeh
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amir Javadi
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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27
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Miyazaki D, Eguchi H, Kuwahara T, Nakayama-Imaohji H, Inaba M, Itoi M, Ueda K, Ohashi Y, Sado K, Mizutani S, Miyamoto H, Sasaki SI, Shimizu Y, Inoue Y. Presence of Acanthamoeba and diversified bacterial flora in poorly maintained contact lens cases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12595. [PMID: 32724150 PMCID: PMC7387515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69554-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba can cause visually destructive Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in contact lens (CL) users. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba was present in the CL cases of CL wearers and to develop techniques to prevent the contaminations. To accomplish this, 512 CL case samples were collected from 305 healthy CL wearers. Using real-time PCR, Acanthamoeba DNA was detected in 19.1% of CL cases, however their presence was not directly associated with poor CL case care. Instead, the presence of Acanthamoeba DNA was associated with significant levels of many different bacterial species. When the CL cases underwent metagenomic analysis, the most abundant bacterial orders were Enterobacteriales followed by Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales, and Flavobacteriales. The presence of Acanthamoeba was characterized by Propionibacterium acnes and Rothia aeria and was also associated with an increase in the α diversity. Collectively, Acanthamoeba contamination occurs when a diversified bacterial flora is present in CL cases. This can effectively be prevented by careful and thorough CL case care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Miyazaki
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Eguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Higashiōsaka, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kuwahara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Haruyuki Nakayama-Imaohji
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | | | - Motozumi Itoi
- Dougenzaka Itoi Eye Clinic, Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiichi Ueda
- Ueda Eye Clinic, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ohashi
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | | | | | - Hitoshi Miyamoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ehime University Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sasaki
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yumiko Shimizu
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Inoue
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
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28
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Saberi R, Seifi Z, Dodangeh S, Najafi A, Abdollah Hosseini S, Anvari D, Taghipour A, Norouzi M, Niyyati M. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis on the global prevalence of
Naegleria
spp. in water sources. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2389-2402. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Azar Najafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology Paramedical Faculty Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Lorestan Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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29
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Paknejad N, Hajialilo E, Saraei M, Javadi A. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba genotypes and Naegleria spp. from the water samples of public swimming pools in Qazvin, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:244-251. [PMID: 32300097 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA), including Acanthamoeba and Naegleria are facultative parasites in humans. The amoeba have widespread distribution in various water sources. The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria isolated from swimming pools and also hot and cold tub waters in Qazvin province. The samples (166 water samples) were cultured to isolate and identify positive specimens. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to confirm the isolated species and genotypes of amoeba. According to morphological characterizations, 18.6% of specimens were identified as FLA, which in 71% were Acanthamoeba by PCR method. Molecular analysis revealed that 36.3%, 18.1% and 4.5% of Acanthamoeba specimens were identified as T3, T4 and T11 Acanthamoeba genotypes, respectively. Protacanthamoeba bohemica (27.2%) and Acanthamoeba sp. (4.5%) were found among the specimens. The results of osmo-tolerance and thermo-tolerance assays demonstrated that 50% of T3 and 25% of T4 genotypes of Acanthamoeba were highly pathogenic parasites. The molecular approach showed the presence of Naegleria lovaniensis (9%) in hot tub water of swimming pools. This study demonstrated that the swimming pools and hot tub water in Qazvin province were contaminated with Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Paknejad
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, and Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran and Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran E-mail:
| | - Amir Javadi
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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30
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Isolation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Free-Living Amoebae (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, and Vermamoeba) in the Farmland Soils and Recreational Places in Iran. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:36-43. [PMID: 31571139 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Free-living amoeba (FLA) including Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria are among the soil-born parasites. There are reports of FLA-related keratitis with a history of contact with soil and dust sources, particularly among the farmers. Due to lack of the previous studies on the farmland soils and a limited number of researches conducted on recreational soils in Iran, the present study was conducted. METHODS A total of 93 soil samples including farming lands and recreational places were tested for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria, and Vermamoeba using morphological key and sequencing-based tools. Pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba positive strains was also evaluated. To verify genetic associations and taxonomic status of isolated amoeba, a phylogenetic tree was built by MEGA 5.05 software inferred by the 18S rRNA gene based on maximum likelihood algorithm. RESULTS Overall, 28 samples (30%) were contaminated with potentially pathogenic FLA, and according to the sequencing data, 17 strains were successfully sequenced. The isolated Acanthamoeba belonged to T2, T4, T5, mixed T4 and T5 contaminations, and T11. ITS sequencing revealed the occurrence of one strain of Naegleria canariensis. Four strains of Vermamoeba vermiformis were also confirmed. Morphological survey and PCR assay failed to show any positive results for Balamuthia mandrillaris. Pathogenic potential of the Acanthamoeba strains showed that T2, T4, and T11 genotypes were highly pathogenic, whereas T5 genotypes demonstrated lower pathogenic potential. CONCLUSION The results indicate that soil could be a serious hazard to human health, and therefore, further studies are expected to investigate the source of infection in patients developing FLA-related diseases. The present study is the first to investigate FLA in the farmland soils in Iran and the first to report the presence of N. canariensis in the country.
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31
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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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32
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Shi D, Chahal KK, Oto P, Nothias LF, Debnath A, McKerrow JH, Podust LM, Abagyan R. Identification of Four Amoebicidal Nontoxic Compounds by a Molecular Docking Screen of Naegleria fowleri Sterol Δ8-Δ7-Isomerase and Phenotypic Assays. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:2029-2038. [PMID: 31583882 PMCID: PMC7085920 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid-onset brain infection in humans with over 97% mortality rate. Despite some progress in the treatment of the disease, there is no single, proven, evidence-based treatment with a high probability of cure. Here we report the chemical library screening and experimental identification of four new compounds with amoebicidal effects against N. fowleri. The chemical library was screened by molecular docking against a homology model of sterol Δ8-Δ7 isomerase (NfERG2). Thirty top-ranking hits were then tested in a cell-based assay for antiproliferative/amoebicidal activities. Eight chemicals exhibited nearly 100% inhibition of N. fowleri at 50 μM, with the EC50 values ranging from 6 to 25 μM. A cell toxicity assay using human HEK-293 cells was also performed. Four of the compounds preferentially kill amoeba cells with no apparent human cell toxicities. These compounds fall into two distinct chemical scaffolds with druglike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Shi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Kirti Kandhwal Chahal
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-Delhi Bypass Road, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Patricia Oto
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Louis-Felix Nothias
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, United States of America
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Kalra SK, Sharma P, Shyam K, Tejan N, Ghoshal U. Acanthamoeba and its pathogenic role in granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Exp Parasitol 2019; 208:107788. [PMID: 31647916 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba that is widely distributed in the environment. It is an opportunist protist, which is known to cause rare yet fatal infection of the central nervous system (CNS), granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in humans. GAE cases are increasingly been reported among immunocompromised patients, with few cases in immunocompetent hosts. Diagnosis of GAE primarily includes neuroimaging, microscopy, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, histopathology, serology and molecular techniques. Early diagnosis is vital for proper management of infected patients. Combination therapeutic approach has been tried in various GAE cases reported worldwide. We tried to present a comprehensive review, which summarizes on the epidemiology of GAE caused by Acanthamoeba along with the associated clinical symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of GAE among infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali K Kalra
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India.
| | - Palvi Sharma
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India
| | - Kirti Shyam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India
| | - Nidhi Tejan
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, 226014, UP, India
| | - Ujjala Ghoshal
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, 226014, UP, India
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Valciņa O, Pūle D, Mališevs A, Trofimova J, Makarova S, Konvisers G, Bērziņš A, Krūmiņa A. Co-Occurrence of Free-Living Amoeba and Legionella in Drinking Water Supply Systems. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2019; 55:medicina55080492. [PMID: 31443316 PMCID: PMC6723719 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55080492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Legionella is one of the most important water-related pathogens. Inside the water supply systems and the biofilms, Legionella interact with other bacteria and free-living amoeba (FLA). Several amoebas may serve as hosts for bacteria in aquatic systems. This study aimed to investigate the co-occurrence of Legionella spp. and FLA in drinking water supply systems. Materials and Methods: A total of 268 water samples were collected from apartment buildings, hotels, and public buildings. Detection of Legionella spp. was performed in accordance with ISO 11731:2017 standard. Three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were used to identify FLA. Results: Occurrence of Legionella varied from an average of 12.5% in cold water samples with the most frequent occurrence observed in hot water, in areas receiving untreated groundwater, where 54.0% of the samples were Legionella positive. The occurrence of FLA was significantly higher. On average, 77.2% of samples contained at least one genus of FLA and, depending on the type of sample, the occurrence of FLA could reach 95%. In the samples collected during the study, Legionella was always isolated along with FLA, no samples containing Legionella in the absence of FLA were observed. Conclusions: The data obtained in our study can help to focus on the extensive distribution, close interaction, and long-term persistence of Legionella and FLA. Lack of Legionella risk management plans and control procedures may promote further spread of Legionella in water supply systems. In addition, the high incidence of Legionella-related FLA suggests that traditional monitoring methods may not be sufficient for Legionella control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Valciņa
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia.
| | - Daina Pūle
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
- Department of Water Engineering and Technology, Riga Technical University, LV-1658 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Artjoms Mališevs
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Jūlija Trofimova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Svetlana Makarova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Genadijs Konvisers
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", LV-1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia
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Identification of free-living amoebae isolated from tap water in Istanbul, Turkey. Exp Parasitol 2018; 195:34-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Wang Y, Pandey P, Zheng Y, Atwill ER, Pasternack G. Particle attached and free floating pathogens survival kinetics under typical stream and thermal spring temperature conditions. AMB Express 2018; 8:100. [PMID: 29923143 PMCID: PMC6008275 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-018-0626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of pathogen survival in the stream environment is needed to enhance existing predictive models of stream pathogen populations. Further, the increasing use of thermal springs for bathing necessitates additional studies focused on not only typical streams but also thermal spring conditions, where water temperature is relatively higher than typical streams. This study was conducted to assess the survival of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in stream water under free floating and particle-attached conditions at a range of temperature. A series of microcosm studies were conducted to determine pathogen decay rates. In bench-scale experiments, water circulation and sediment resuspension mimicked natural stream and thermal spring conditions, with continuous air flow providing aeration, constant mixing and turbulent conditions, and improved water circulation. Data on E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella survival were subsequently used to determine first-order decay equations for calculating the rate constant and decimal reduction time for the modeled experimental conditions. Results showed that at 40 °C, the survival of particle attached E. coli O157:H7 was longer than that of particle attached Salmonella. Under free floating condition, Salmonella survived longer than E. coli O157:H7. At 50 °C, survival of particle attached E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella was longer than that of free floating E. coli and Salmonella. At 60 °C, survival of particle attached Salmonella was longer than that of free floating Salmonella. Similarly at 60 °C, the survival of E. coli O157:H7 under particle attached condition was longer than that of the free floating condition. The findings of this study suggest that the survival of E. coli O157:H7 differs than the survival of Salmonella in stream water and thermal spring conditions, and the assumption used in previous studies to estimate survival of bacteria in stream environment could result in over/underestimation if the impact of particle attachment on pathogen survival is not accounted for.
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