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Curro-Tafili K, Verbraak FD, de Vries R, van Nispen RMA, Ghyczy EAE. Diagnosing and monitoring the characteristics of Acanthamoeba keratitis using slit scanning and laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2024; 44:131-152. [PMID: 37916883 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a serious and potentially blinding ocular infection caused by the free-living amoeba, Acanthamoeba. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a non-invasive device which has been proven of great use to diagnose Acanthamoeba infections immediately. The aim of this review was to establish different patterns and signs of AK that appear on the IVCM both before and after treatment. METHODS A systematic review of the literature from 1974 until September 2021 was performed using Embase and PubMed, following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS Twenty different signs of AK were observed using IVCM. The included studies used vastly different criteria to diagnose infections, ranging from just 1 to 13 of the signs, demonstrating the current lack of a standardised diagnosis of this infection using the IVCM. The appearance of double wall cysts, trophozoites, signet rings, target signs and clusters were shown to be pathognomonic to AK infections. Bright spots located in the corneal epithelium were demonstrated as non-reliable predictors of AK. The presence of cysts in clusters and single file can predict the need for corneal transplantation. The morphological changes in cysts using the IVCM following treatment were described as breaking down to hollow forms and occasionally surrounded by black cavities. Using this information, a visual guideline for identifying AK signs in diagnosis and follow-up using IVCM was created. CONCLUSION Increased awareness of the different signs and patterns of AK that appear on the IVCM is crucial in order to correctly identify an infection and increase the potential of this device. Our guidelines presented here can be used, but further studies are needed in order to determine the relationship and aetiology of these signs and cellular changes on the IVCM both before and after anti-amoeba treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Curro-Tafili
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F D Verbraak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R M A van Nispen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E A E Ghyczy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ledbetter EC, Capistrano da Silva E, Dong L, McDonough SP. Experimental Induction of Acute Acanthamoeba castellanii Keratitis in Cats. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:10. [PMID: 37566398 PMCID: PMC10424800 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.8.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop a feline model of acute Acanthamoeba keratitis using methods that replicate natural routes of infection transmission. Methods Corneal Acanthamoeba castellanii inoculation was performed by three methods: topical inoculation with Acanthamoeba solution following corneal abrasion, placement of a contaminated contact lens for 7 days, and placement of a contaminated contact lens for 7 days following corneal abrasion. Sham inoculations with parasite-free medium and sterile contact lenses were also performed. Cats were monitored by ocular examination and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy for 21 days post-inoculation. Corneal samples were collected at intervals for microbiologic assessment, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Results All cats in the corneal abrasion groups developed clinical keratitis. Clinical ocular disease was inconsistently detected in cats from the contaminated contact lens only group. Initial corneal lesions were characterized by multifocal epithelial leukocyte infiltrates. Ocular lesions progressed to corneal epithelial ulceration and diffuse stromal inflammation. After 14 days, corneal ulcerations resolved, and stromal inflammation consolidated into multifocal subepithelial and stromal infiltrates. Corneal amoebae were detected by culture, in vivo confocal microscopy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry in cats with keratitis. Neutrophilic and lymphocytic keratoconjunctivitis with lymphoplasmacytic anterior uveitis were identified by histopathology. Coinfection with aerobic bacteria was detected in some, but not all, cats with keratitis. Ocular disease was not detected in the sham inoculation groups. Conclusions Feline Acanthamoeba keratitis is experimentally transmissible by contaminated contact lenses and topical inoculation following corneal epithelial trauma. Translational Relevance Experimentally induced acute Acanthamoeba keratitis in cats is clinically and histopathologically similar to its human counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Ledbetter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Longying Dong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sean P. McDonough
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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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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Eldeek HE, Farrag HMM, Tolba MEM, El-Deek HE, Ali MO, Ibraheim ZZ, Bayoumi SA, Hassanin ESA, Alkhalil SS, Huseein EAEHM. Amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa against Allovahlkampfia spelaea: A keratitis model. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1120-1136. [PMID: 36164578 PMCID: PMC9508644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Allovahlkampfia spelaea (A. spelaea) is a free-living amoeba, proved to cause Acanthamoeba-like keratitis with quite difficult treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa (A. cepa) on A. spelaea trophozoites and cysts both in vitro and in vivo using Chinchilla rabbits as an experimental model of this type of keratitis. Chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of A. cepa were identified using Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). In vitro, A. cepa showed a significant inhibitory effect on trophozoites and cysts compared to the reference drug, chlorhexidine (CHX) as well as the non-treated control (P < 0.05) with statistically different effectiveness in terms of treatment durations and concentrations. No cytotoxic effect of A. cepa on corneal cell line was found even at high concentrations (32 mg/ml) using agar diffusion method. The in vivo results confirmed the efficacy of A. cepa where the extract enhanced keratitis healing with complete resolution of corneal ulcers in 80% of the infected animals by day 14 (post infection)pi compared to 70% recovery with CHX after 20 treatment days. The therapeutic effect was also approved at histological, immune-histochemical, and parasitological levels. Our findings support the potential use of A. cepa as an effective agent against A. spelaea keratitis.
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Moran S, Mooney R, Henriquez FL. Diagnostic Considerations for Non- Acanthamoeba Amoebic Keratitis and Clinical Outcomes. Pathogens 2022; 11:219. [PMID: 35215164 PMCID: PMC8874664 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020219] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of amoebic keratitis involving species other than Acanthamoeba are hypothesised to be underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Amoebic keratitis is debilitating and associated with chronic visual impairment. Understanding associated symptoms of non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis could facilitate new diagnostic procedures and enable prompt treatment, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Thus, a review of the literature was undertaken surrounding non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis. Cases were geographically widespread and mostly confined to contact lens wearers ≤ 30 years old exposed to contaminated water sources and/or demonstrating poor lens hygiene. Vermamoeba vermiformis (previously Hartmanella vermiformis) was the most common causative agent, and a moderate number of mixed keratitis cases were also reported. A crucial disease indicator was early onset stromal deterioration/ulcerations, reported in 10 of the studies, usually only occurring in advanced Acanthamoeba keratitis. Mixed infections were the most difficult to treat, often requiring keratoplasty after unsuccessful combination treatment regimens. New diagnostic measures for non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis should consider early onset stromal disease as a key disease indicator. Deep corneal scrapes are also necessary for accurate amoebic identification. Moreover, a combination approach to diagnosis is advised and should involve culture, microscopy and PCR techniques. In vitro drug sensitivity tests should also be conducted to help develop patient-specific treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Stephenson Place, Glasgow G72 0LH, Lanarkshire, UK; (S.M.); (F.L.H.)
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Shawkey LA, Elfeky FA, Abou-Elnour BM, El-Wakil ES. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of FLA from different water sources in Egypt. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:450-458. [PMID: 36366997 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitously found in nature. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been documented as pathogenic to humans. The main aim of the current study was the molecular identification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of morphologically detected FLA in water sources in El-Qalyubia, Egypt. A total of 96 water samples were collected from different water sources. Each water sample was filtrated and cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA). Morphologically positive FLA were subjected to PCR, PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were phylogenetically analysed. FLA were found in 41 water samples examined (42.7%). Nile water and groundwater were the sources with the highest prevalence rates (83.3 and 62.5%, respectively). Naegleria italica was first identified in Egypt from the waters of the Nile. In addition, Vahlkampfia spp. and Hartmannella spp. were also detected. However, other FLA species, including Acanthamoeba spp. and the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, previously reported in Egypt, were not included in this study. The recent identification of these FLA in the Egyptian waters related to human populations indicates the need for more phylogenetic studies using larger sample sizes to investigate their potential threat to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa A Shawkey
- Reference Laboratory for Drinking Water, Holding Company of Water and Waste Water, Shopra Elkhiema, Qalyubia 13772, Egypt
| | - Faten A Elfeky
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science for Girls, Al-Azhar University, 11754 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Basma M Abou-Elnour
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science for Girls, Al-Azhar University, 11754 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman S El-Wakil
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza 12411, Egypt E-mail:
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Diehl MLN, Paes J, Rott MB. Genotype distribution of Acanthamoeba in keratitis: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3051-3063. [PMID: 34351492 PMCID: PMC8339388 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness. In recent years, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has rapidly increased, growing its importance to human health. This systematic review aims to assess the distribution of Acanthamoeba sp. genotypes causing keratitis around the world, considering the sample collected type and the used identification method. Most of the cases were found in Asia and Europe. Not surprisingly, the T4 genotype was the most prevalent worldwide, followed by T3, T15, T11, and T5. Furthermore, the T4 genotype contains a higher number of species. Given the differences in pathology, susceptibility to treatment, and clinical outcome between distinct genotypes, it is essential to genotype isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases to help to establish a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities, resulting in better drug therapies and successful treatment in cases of this important ocular infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Júlia Paes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Reyes-Batlle M, Díaz FJ, Sifaoui I, Rodríguez-Expósito R, Rizo-Liendo A, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Free living amoebae isolation in irrigation waters and soils of an insular arid agroecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:141833. [PMID: 33207478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of freshwater in agricultural systems represents a high percentage of total water consumption worldwide. Therefore, alternative sources of water for irrigation will need to be developed, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, in order to meet the growing demand for food in the future. The use of recycled wastewater (RWW), brackish water (BW) or desalinated brackish water (DBW) are among the different non-conventional water resources proposed. However, it is necessary to evaluate the health risks for humans and animals associated with the microbiological load of these waters. Protozoa such as free-living amoebae (FLA) are considered an emerging group of opportunistic pathogens capable to cause several diseases in humans (e.g. cutaneous and ocular infections, lung, bone or adrenal gland conditions or fatal encephalitis). In the present study we evaluate FLA presence in three different irrigation water qualities (RWW, BW and DBW) and its survival in irrigated agricultural soils of an extremely arid insular ecosystem (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain). Samples were cultured on 2% Non-Nutrient Agar (NNA) plates covered with a thin layer of heat killed E. coli and checked daily for the presence of FLA. According to the prevalence of FLA, Vermamoeba vermiformis (53,8%), Acanthamoeba spp. (30,8%), Vahlkampfia avara (7,7%) and Naegleria australiensis (7,7%) were detected in the analysed water samples, while Acanthamoeba (83,3%), Cercozoa spp. (8,3%) and Vahlkampfia orchilla (8,3%) were isolated in irrigated soils. Only Acanthamoeba strains were isolated in no irrigated soils used as control, evidencing the capability of these protozoa to resist environmental harsh conditions. Additionally, all analysed water sources and the irrigated soils presented growth of several pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the coexistence in water and soils of pathogenic bacteria and FLA, can mean an increased risk of infection in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
| | - Francisco J Díaz
- Department of Animal Biology, Soil Science and Geology, University of La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Rubén Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
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Bouchoucha I, Aziz A, Hoffart L, Drancourt M. Repertoire of free-living protozoa in contact lens solutions. BMC Ophthalmol 2016; 16:191. [PMID: 27793130 PMCID: PMC5086047 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The repertoire of free-living protozoa in contact lens solutions is poorly known despite the fact that such protozoa may act as direct pathogens and may harbor intra-cellular pathogens. Methods Between 2009 and 2014, the contact lens solutions collected from patients presenting at our Ophthalmology Department for clinically suspected keratitis, were cultured on non-nutrient agar examined by microscope for the presence of free-living protozoa. All protozoa were identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Results A total of 20 of 233 (8.6 %) contact lens solution specimens collected from 16 patients were cultured. Acanthamoeba amoeba in 16 solutions (80 %) collected from 12 patients and Colpoda steini, Cercozoa sp., Protostelium sp. and a eukaryotic more closely related to Vermamoeba sp., were each isolated in one solution. Cercozoa sp., Colpoda sp., Protostelium sp. and Vermamoeba sp. are reported for the first time as contaminating contact lens solutions. Conclusion The repertoire of protozoa in contact lens solutions is larger than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurore Aziz
- Ophthalmology Department, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Louis Hoffart
- Ophthalmology Department, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Drancourt
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD198, Inserm 1095, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Faculté de Médecine, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille cedex 5, France.
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Tolba MEM, Huseein EAM, Farrag HMM, Mohamed HED, Kobayashi S, Suzuki J, Ali TAM, Sugano S. Allovahlkampfia spelaea Causing Keratitis in Humans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004841. [PMID: 27415799 PMCID: PMC4945048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Free-living amoebae are present worldwide. They can survive in different environment causing human diseases in some instances. Acanthamoeba sp. is known for causing sight-threatening keratitis in humans. Free-living amoeba keratitis is more common in developing countries. Amoebae of family Vahlkampfiidae are rarely reported to cause such affections. A new genus, Allovahlkampfia spelaea was recently identified from caves with no data about pathogenicity in humans. We tried to identify the causative free-living amoeba in a case of keratitis in an Egyptian patient using morphological and molecular techniques. Methods Pathogenic amoebae were culture using monoxenic culture system. Identification through morphological features and 18S ribosomal RNA subunit DNA amplification and sequencing was done. Pathogenicity to laboratory rabbits and ability to produce keratitis were assessed experimentally. Results Allovahlkampfia spelaea was identified as a cause of human keratitis. Whole sequence of 18S ribosomal subunit DNA was sequenced and assembled. The Egyptian strain was closely related to SK1 strain isolated in Slovenia. The ability to induce keratitis was confirmed using animal model. Conclusions This the first time to report Allovahlkampfia spelaea as a human pathogen. Combining both molecular and morphological identification is critical to correctly diagnose amoebae causing keratitis in humans. Use of different pairs of primers and sequencing amplified DNA is needed to prevent misdiagnosis. Free-living amoebae are present worldwide. Some species are known to cause chronic keratitis in human. Amoebic chronic keratitis is sight-threatening disease occurring in both developing and well-developed countries. Allovahlkampfia spelaea is a newly discovered free-living amoeba. We report the first human case of chronic keratitis due to that amoeba. For correct identification, both morphological and molecular techniques should be combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Essa Marghany Tolba
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Medical Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Haiam Mohamed Mahmoud Farrag
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Seiki Kobayashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Suzuki
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Sumio Sugano
- Department of Medical Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Isolation of Vermamoeba vermiformis and associated bacteria in hospital water. Microb Pathog 2015; 80:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Managing refillable portable eyewashes under ANSI/ISEA Z358.1. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchas.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Urbansky ET, Bell HJ. Concerns with chlorhexidine preservatives in refillable portable eyewashes. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchas.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Tanveer T, Hameed A, Muazzam AG, Jung SY, Gul A, Matin A. Isolation and molecular characterization of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes from diverse water resources including household drinking water from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2925-32. [PMID: 23749088 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba, an opportunistic protozoan pathogen, is ubiquitous in nature, and therefore plays a predatory role and helps control microbial communities in the ecosystem. These Acanthamoeba species are recognized as opportunistic human pathogens that may cause blinding keratitis and rare but fatal granulomatous encephalitis. To date, there is not a single report demonstrating Acanthamoeba isolation and identification from environmental sources in Pakistan, and that is the aim of this study. Acanthamoeba were identified by morphological characteristics of their cysts on non-nutrient agar plates seeded with Escherichia coli. Additionally, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with genus-specific primers followed by direct sequencing of the PCR product for molecular identification. Furthermore, our PCR and sequencing results confirmed seven different pathogenic and nonpathogenic genotypes, including T2-T10, T4, T5, T7, T15, T16, and T17. To the best of our knowledge, we have identified and isolated Acanthamoeba sp., for the first time, from water resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. There is an urgent need to address (1) the pathogenic potential of the identified genotypes and (2) explore other environmental sources from the country to examine the water quality and the current status of Acanthamoeba species in Pakistan, which may be a potential threat for public health across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Tanveer
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Lorenzo-Morales J, Martín-Navarro CM, López-Arencibia A, Arnalich-Montiel F, Piñero JE, Valladares B. Acanthamoeba keratitis: an emerging disease gathering importance worldwide? Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:181-7. [PMID: 23433689 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is increasingly being recognized as a severe sight-threatening ocular infection worldwide. Although contact lens wear is the leading risk factor for AK, Acanthamoeba parasites are also an important cause of keratitis in non-contact lens wearers. Diagnosis of AK is challenging, and the available treatments are lengthy and not fully effective against all strains. The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba is still under study, and the identification of the key factors involved in this process should be useful for the development of fully effective therapies. This review focuses on recent developments on AK pathogenesis and diagnosis as well as novel strategies for the evaluation of anti-amoebic agents that could be applied in the near future against these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of The Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez SN, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
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