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Aykur M, Selver OB, Dagci H, Palamar M. Vermamoeba vermiformis as the etiological agent in a patient with suspected non-Acanthamoeba keratitis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:323. [PMID: 39254717 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2] [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: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis (V. vermiformis) is one of the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) and is frequently found in environments such as natural freshwater areas, surface waters, soil, and biofilms. V. vermiformis has been reported as a pathogen with pathogenic potential for humans and animals. The aim is to report a case of non-Acanthamoeba keratitis in which V. vermiformis was the etiological agent, identified by culture and molecular techniques. Our case was a 48-year-old male patient with a history of trauma to his eye 10 days ago. The patient complained of eye redness and purulent discharge. A slit-lamp examination of the eye revealed a central corneal ulcer with peripheral infiltration extending into the deep stroma. The corneal scraping sample taken from the patient was cultured on a non-nutritious agar plate (NNA). Amoebae were evaluated according to morphological evaluation criteria. It was investigated by PCR method and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Although no bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the routine microbiological evaluation of the corneal scraping sample that was cultured, amoeba growth was detected positively in the NNA culture. Meanwhile, Acanthamoeba was detected negative by real-time PCR. However, V. vermiformis was detected positive with the specific PCR assay. It was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis to be considered an etiological pathogenic agent. Thus, topical administration of chlorhexidine gluconate %0.02 (8 × 1) was initiated. Clinical regression was observed 72 h after chlorhexidine initiation, and complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 5 weeks. In conclusion, corneal infections due to free-living amoebae can occur, especially in poor hygiene. Although Acanthamoeba is the most common keratitis due to amoeba, V. vermiformis is also assumed to associate keratitis in humans. Clinicians should also be aware of other amoebic agents, such as V. vermiformis, in keratitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Medical School, Central, PO Box 60030, Tokat, 60100, Turkey.
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Barut Selver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Melis Palamar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
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Posarelli M, Passaro ML, Avolio FC, Costagliola C, Semeraro F, Romano V. The incidence of severe complications in acanthamoeba keratitis: Qualitative and quantitative systematic assessment. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:769-778. [PMID: 38885760 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.06.001] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare, sight-threating corneal infection. The disease is challenging to diagnose and treat, and the amoeba can rapidly encyst, persisting in the tissue and causing recurrences. Medical therapy is conventionally considered the first line treatment, but advanced cases could require more invasive treatments like a "chaud" corneal transplant. We review the incidence of severe complications in patients affected by AK. Of 439 reports screened, 158 met our inclusion criteria. Incidence of severe complications was low, with 2.21 % patients developing perforation, 1 % requiring evisceration/enucleation and less than 1 % developing endophthalmitis. Corneal transplantation was required in 16.68 % of the cases. According to our results, and considering the reported incidences of these complications in other infectious keratitis, AK patients have an overall low risk of developing perforation, endophthalmitis, and enucleation/evisceration. Nevertheless, data available in the literature remain poor, and further randomized control trials are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Posarelli
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Ophthalmology Unit of the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Fabio Claudio Avolio
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Semeraro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Eye Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Eye Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Guo S, Liu D, Wan X, Guo D, Zheng M, Zheng W, Feng X. Ac-HSP20 regulates autophagy and promotes the encystation of Acanthamoeba castellanii by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:347. [PMID: 39160562 PMCID: PMC11331602 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06436-w] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The encystation of Acanthamoeba castellanii has important ecological and medical significance. Blocking encystation is the key to preventing transmission and curing infections caused by A. castellanii. The formation of autophagosomes is one of the most important changes that occur during the encystation of Acanthamoeba. Our previous studies have shown that the heat shock protein 20 of A. castellanii (Ac-HSP20) is involved in its encystation. This study aimed to determine the role and mechanism of Ac-HSP20 in regulating autophagy involved in the encystation of A. castellanii. METHODS Immunofluorescence assay, western blotting and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the dynamic changes in autophagy during the initiation and continuation of encystation. The knockdown of Ac-HSP20 was performed to clarify its regulation of encystation and autophagy and to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which Ac-HSP20 participates in autophagy to promote cyst maturation. RESULTS The encystation rates and autophagosomes were significantly decreased by treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. The autophagy marker LC3B and autophagic lysosomes increased with the induced duration of encystation and reached the maximum at 48 h. The encystation rate, LC3B expression and autophagosomes decreased when Ac-HSP20 was knocked down by siRNA transfection. In addition, the expression levels of Ac-HSP20 and LC3B increased and the expressions of p-AKT and p-mTOR decreased after 48 h of encystation without knockdown. However, the expressions of p-AKT and p-mTOR increased while the expression of LC3B decreased under the knockdown of Ac-HSP20. Furthermore, the protein expression of LC3B increased when the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited but decreased when the pathway was activated. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that autophagy is positively correlated with the encystation of A. castellanii, and Ac-HSP20 regulates autophagy to maintain the homeostasis of A. castellanii by inhibiting the PI3K /AKT /mTOR signaling pathway, thus promoting the maturation and stability of encystation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jilin City Hospital of Chemical Industry, Jilin, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Wan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Dingrui Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Meiyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyu Zheng
- Department of Microsurgery, Jilin City Central Hospital, Jilin, China.
| | - Xianmin Feng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China.
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Lê HG, Hwang BS, Choi JS, Jeong YT, Kang JM, Võ TC, Oh YT, Na BK. Iris setosa Pall. ex Link Extract Reveals Amoebicidal Activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga with Low Toxicity to Human Corneal Cells. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1658. [PMID: 39203500 PMCID: PMC11356916 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening and difficult-to-treat ocular infection. The significant side effects of current AK treatments highlight the urgent need to develop a safe and effective AK medication. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of Iris setosa Pall. ex Link extract (ISE) against Acanthamoeba was examined and its specific amoebicidal mechanism was explored. ISE induced significant morphological changes in Acanthamoeba trophozoites and exhibited amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii and A. polyphaga. ISE was further fractionated into five subfractions by sequential extraction with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water, and their amoebicidal activities and underlying amoebicidal mechanisms were investigated. The n-butanol subfraction of ISE (ISE-BuOH) displayed selective amoebicidal activity against the Acanthamoeba species with minimal cytotoxicity in human corneal cells (HCE-2). ISE-BuOH triggered apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in amoebae, characterized by DNA fragmentation, increased ROS production, and caspase-3 activity elevation. ISE-BuOH also demonstrated a partial cysticidal effect against the amoeba species. ISE-BuOH could be a promising candidate in the development of therapeutic drugs for AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea; (H.G.L.); (J.-M.K.); (T.C.V.)
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Buyng Su Hwang
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea; (B.S.H.); (J.-S.C.); (Y.T.J.)
| | - Ji-Su Choi
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea; (B.S.H.); (J.-S.C.); (Y.T.J.)
| | - Yong Tae Jeong
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea; (B.S.H.); (J.-S.C.); (Y.T.J.)
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea; (H.G.L.); (J.-M.K.); (T.C.V.)
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuấn Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea; (H.G.L.); (J.-M.K.); (T.C.V.)
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Taek Oh
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea; (B.S.H.); (J.-S.C.); (Y.T.J.)
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea; (H.G.L.); (J.-M.K.); (T.C.V.)
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
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Aiello F, Gallo Afflitto G, Ceccarelli F, Turco MV, Han Y, Amescua G, Dart JK, Nucci C. Perspectives on the Incidence of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmology 2024:S0161-6420(24)00462-7. [PMID: 39127408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.08.003] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
TOPIC To provide an overview on the incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although being a sight-threatening cause of infectious keratitis, a comprehensive assessment of the incidence of AK is lacking. METHODS Incidence of AK was computed as the number of eyes with AK per health care center, per year (annualized center incidence [ACI]). Two meta-analytical ratios also were calculated: (1) the ratio of eyes with AK to the count of eyes with nonviral microbial keratitis (MK) and (2) the ratio of eyes with AK to the overall population (i.e., the total number of people in a nation or region, as indicated by the authors in each study). Center was defined as the health care facility where the study took place. Actual and projected estimates of the number of eyes with AK in years were calculated multiplying the ratio of eyes with AK to the total population and the corresponding population estimates, sourced from the United Nations Population Prospects. RESULTS Overall, 105 articles were included, published between 1987 and 2022. The total number of eyes identified was 91 951, with 5660 eyes affected by AK and 86 291 eyes affected by nonviral MK. The median ACI was 1.9 eyes with AK per health care center per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.6 eyes), with no statistically significant differences among continents. The ratio of eyes with AK to the total number of eyes with MK was 1.52% (95% CI, 1.03%-2.22%), whereas the ratio of eyes with AK in relationship to the entire population was estimated at 2.34 eyes per 1 000 000 people (95% CI, 0.98-5.55 per 1 000 000 people). The projected increase in the numbers of eyes with AK indicated an increase of 18.5% (n = 15 355 eyes with AK) in 2053 and 25.5% (n = 16 253 eyes with AK) in 2073, compared with the baseline of 2023 (n = 12 953 eyes with AK). DISCUSSION Acanthamoeba keratitis emerged as a relatively low-incident disorder, and no significant differences in terms of its incidence were found among different continents. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aiello
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gallo Afflitto
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Francesca Ceccarelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Turco
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Yuyi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Guillermo Amescua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - John K Dart
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
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Kim CK, Karslioglu MZ, Zhao SH, Lee OL. Infectious Keratitis in Patients Over 65: A Review on Treatment and Preserving Eyesight. Clin Interv Aging 2024; 19:1393-1405. [PMID: 39099749 PMCID: PMC11298191 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s467262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious keratitis (IK) represents a significant global health concern, ranking as the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide despite being largely preventable and treatable. Elderly populations are particularly susceptible due to age-related changes in immune response and corneal structure. However, research on IK in this demographic remains scarce. Age-related alterations such as increased permeability and reduced endothelial cell density further compound susceptibility to infection and hinder healing mechanisms. Additionally, inflammaging, characterized by chronic inflammation that develops with advanced age, disrupts the ocular immune balance, potentially exacerbating IK and other age-related eye diseases. Understanding these mechanisms is paramount for enhancing IK management, especially in elderly patients. This review comprehensively assesses risk factors, clinical characteristics, and management strategies for bacterial, viral, fungal, and acanthamoeba keratitis in the elderly population, offering crucial insights for effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Kim
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Melisa Z Karslioglu
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sharon H Zhao
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olivia L Lee
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Santos Porto D, da Costa Bernardo Port B, Conte J, Fretes Argenta D, Pereira Balleste M, Amadeu Micke G, Machado Campos Â, Silva Caumo K, Caon T. Development of ophthalmic nanoemulsions of β-caryophyllene for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Int J Pharm 2024; 659:124252. [PMID: 38782149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124252] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Although rare, amoebic keratitis (AK) is a disease caused by Acanthamoeba spp. that can lead to blindness. The drugs currently available for its treatment are very toxic, which has motivated the investigation for more effective and safe therapeutic options. In this study, the in vitro activity of ß-caryophyllene (BCP) was exploited taking into account its action against other protozoans as well as its well-known healing and anti-inflammatory properties (aspects relevant for the AK pathogenesis). On the other hand, high volatilization and oxidation phenomena are found for this compound, which led to its incorporation into nanoemulsions (NEs). Two emulsifying agents were tested, resulting in monodisperse systems with reduced droplet size (<265 nm) and high surface charge (positive and negative for NEs prepared with cetrimonium bromide -CTAB and Phosal® 50+, respectively). NEs prepared with CTAB were shown to be more stable after long-term storage at 4 and 25 °C than those prepared with Phosal®. Pure BCP, at the highest concentration (500 µM), resulted in a level of inhibition of Acanthamoeba trophozoites equivalent to that of reference drug (chlorhexidine). This activity was even greater after oil nanoencapsulation. The reduced droplet size could improve the interaction of the oil with the microorganism, justifying this finding. Changes in surface charge did not impact the activity. Positively charged NEs improved the interaction and retention of BCP in the cornea and thus should be prioritized for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Santos Porto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Conte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Debora Fretes Argenta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Maira Pereira Balleste
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Amadeu Micke
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Ângela Machado Campos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Karin Silva Caumo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Caon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil.
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Pezeshki A, Tajic S, Farahmandian P, Haniloo A, Mahmmodzadeh A, Niyyati M, Behniafar H. Phylogenetic analysis of Acanthamoeba isolated from soil samples and nasal cavities of patients with malignancy: a public health concern in the northwest of Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:367-375. [PMID: 38240056 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad100] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Acanthamoeba is reported from various environmental sources and can cause multiple complications, including chronic amoebic aeratitis and amoebic granulomatous encephalitis. This study investigated the presence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba in the soil of parks and patients with malignancies referred to health centers in Zanjan city, Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 200 soil samples were collected from amusement parks in Zanjan city from September 2017 to May 2018. Samples were cultured on 1.5% non-nutrient agar, and the Acanthamoeba genus was identified using the morphological method. PCR was performed on all positive environmental samples, and six microscopically positive clinical samples belonged to our previous study. DNA sequencing of 18S rRNA was performed to analyze the genetic pattern of some PCR-positive isolates. RESULTS Microscopic results showed that 96 (48%) soil samples were positive. PCR confirmed all positive cases of clinical samples and 84 soil samples. Out of the PCR-positive samples, 20 soil samples and five clinical samples were sequenced successfully. All soil isolates belonged to the T4 genotype, and three and two clinical samples belonged to T4 and T5 genotypes, respectively. CONCLUSION : The presence of Acanthamoeba in both the environment and clinical samples of Zanjan city suggests paying greater attention to the infections caused by it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Pezeshki
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 45331 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shadi Tajic
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 45331 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Parvin Farahmandian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 45331 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Haniloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 45331 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abbas Mahmmodzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 45331 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 1701706 Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, 54731 Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran
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Mooney R, Giammarini E, Corbett E, Thomson S, McKinley K, Sinisterra Sebastian P, Rodgers K, O’Donnell J, McGinness C, Roberts CW, Ramaesh K, Henriquez FL. Sodium Metabisulfite Inhibits Acanthamoeba Trophozoite Growth through Thiamine Depletion. Pathogens 2024; 13:431. [PMID: 38921729 PMCID: PMC11206890 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060431] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe infection of the cornea. Prevention and treatment are difficult due to the inefficacy of currently available compounds. The impact of many commonly used compounds for routine examinations of Acanthamoeba is unexplored but might offer insight useful in combatting AK. In this study, we demonstrate that sodium metabisulfite, a common preservation constituent of eye care solutions, was found to be active against Acanthamoeba trophozoites at concentrations lower than that commonly found in eye drops (IC50 0.03 mg/mL). We demonstrate that sodium metabisulfite depletes thiamine from growth medium and that Acanthamoeba is a thiamine auxotroph, requiring thiamine salvage for growth. The inhibitory effects of sodium metabisulfite can be overcome by thiamine supplementation. These results are consistent with the lack of key enzymes for thiamine biosynthesis in the genome of Acanthamoeba, an area which might prove exploitable using new or existing compounds. Indeed, this study highlights sodium metabisulfite as a useful inhibitor of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites in vitro and that it acts, at least in part, by limiting available thiamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Elisa Giammarini
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Erin Corbett
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Scott Thomson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Kevin McKinley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Paula Sinisterra Sebastian
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Kiri Rodgers
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Jana O’Donnell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
| | - Charles McGinness
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Paisley, Glasgow PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Craig W. Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Kanna Ramaesh
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Gartnavel Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
| | - Fiona L. Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK; (R.M.)
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10
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Dos Santos DL, Chaúque BJM, Matiazo FF, de Miranda Ribeiro L, Rott MB. Agar dehydration: a simple method for long-term storage of Acanthamoeba spp. collection at room temperature. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:153. [PMID: 38446221 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08172-7] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This study describes dehydration of agar containing cysts as a novel and inexpensive method for long-term storage of Acanthamoeba spp. collections at room temperature. Five hundred microliters of axenically cultured Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoites (106 cells/mL) in PYG media or 150 µl of amoeba suspension (106 cells or cysts/mL) from monoxenic plate culture was spread onto the surface of non-nutritive agar (NNA, 2-3-mm thick) without or with a layer of heat-inactivated Escherichia coli, respectively. The plates were sealed and incubated at 30 °C. After the encystment, the Parafilm® was removed, and the plates were kept at the same temperature until the NNA was completely dehydrated. The dehydrated cyst-containing NNA was cut in rectangles and stored in airtight tubes at room temperature for up to 3 years. Cyst viability was assessed by inoculating them in fresh NNA with a layer of E. coli and in PYG followed by incubation at 30 °C. One hundred percent of samples from all specimens (19) stored over the 3 years allowed new cultures to be re-established; however, two strains showed reduced viability, at 66.7% and 62.5%, after 2 years of room temperature storage. One hundred percent of the cyst samples produced axenically and maintained in dry NNA allowed the re-establishment of axenic cultures through direct incubation in PYG, with excystment occurring within 24 or 48 h. For the first time, we report the dehydration of cyst-containing agar as an economical and effective method for the long-term storage of Acanthamoeba spp. collections at room temperature. It enables the creation of large collections using reduced space and economical transport of Acanthamoeba strains, in addition to allowing better organization of the collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Laboratory 520, 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
- Postdoctoral Fellow at Master's Program in Clinical Research (MPPC) at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) (CAPES Pilot Program), Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Laboratory 520, 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
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Fernanda Fraga Matiazo
- Laboratory 520, 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
| | - Larissa de Miranda Ribeiro
- Laboratory 520, 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
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Laboratory 520, 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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Rivera J, Valerdi-Negreros JC, Vázquez-Enciso DM, Argueta-Zepeda FS, Vinuesa P. Phylogenomic, structural, and cell biological analyses reveal that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia replicates in acidified Rab7A-positive vacuoles of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0298823. [PMID: 38319117 PMCID: PMC10913462 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02988-23] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are clinically relevant free-living amoebae (FLA) ubiquitously found in soil and water bodies. Metabolically active trophozoites graze on diverse microbes via phagocytosis. However, functional studies on Rab GTPases (Rabs), which are critical for controlling vesicle trafficking and maturation, are scarce for this FLA. This knowledge gap can be partly explained by the limited genetic tools available for Acanthamoeba cell biology. Here, we developed plasmids to generate fusions of A. castellanii strain Neff proteins to the N- or C-termini of mEGFP and mCherry2. Phylogenomic and structural analyses of the 11 Neff Rab7 paralogs found in the RefSeq assembly revealed that eight of them had non-canonical sequences. After correcting the gene annotation for the Rab7A ortholog, we generated a line stably expressing an mEGFP-Rab7A fusion, demonstrating its correct localization to acidified macropinocytic and phagocytic vacuoles using fluorescence microscopy live cell imaging (LCI). Direct labeling of live Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ESTM1D_MKCAZ16_6a (Sm18) cells with pHrodo Red, a pH-sensitive dye, demonstrated that they reside within acidified, Rab7A-positive vacuoles. We constructed new mini-Tn7 delivery plasmids and tagged Sm18 with constitutively expressed mScarlet-I. Co-culture experiments of Neff trophozoites with Sm18::mTn7TC1_Pc_mScarlet-I, coupled with LCI and microplate reader assays, demonstrated that Sm18 underwent multiple replication rounds before reaching the extracellular medium via non-lytic exocytosis. We conclude that S. maltophilia belongs to the class of bacteria that can use amoeba as an intracellular replication niche within a Stenotrophomonas-containing vacuole that interacts extensively with the endocytic pathway.IMPORTANCEDiverse Acanthamoeba lineages (genotypes) are of increasing clinical concern, mainly causing amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis among other infections. S. maltophilia ranks among the top 10 most prevalent multidrug-resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogens and is a recurrent member of the microbiome hosted by Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoebae. However, little is known about the molecular strategies deployed by Stenotrophomonas for an intracellular lifestyle in amoebae and other professional phagocytes such as macrophages, which allow the bacterium to evade the immune system and the action of antibiotics. Our plasmids and easy-to-use microtiter plate co-culture assays should facilitate investigations into the cellular microbiology of Acanthamoeba interactions with Stenotrophomonas and other opportunistic pathogens, which may ultimately lead to the discovery of new molecular targets and antimicrobial therapies to combat difficult-to-treat infections caused by these ubiquitous microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rivera
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Julio C. Valerdi-Negreros
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana M. Vázquez-Enciso
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Programa de Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fulvia-Stefany Argueta-Zepeda
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Programa de Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Vinuesa
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Lê HG, Kang JM, Võ TC, Yoo WG, Hong Y, Na BK. (‒)-Epicatechin reveals amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii by activating the programmed cell death pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 125:155389. [PMID: 38306720 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause human infections such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis and acanthamoeba keratitis. However, no specific drug to treat the diseases has been developed. Therefore, the discovery or development of novel drugs for treating Acanthamoeba infections is urgently needed. The anti-protozoan activity of (‒)-epicatechin (EC) has been reported, suggesting it is an attractive anti-protozoal drug candidate. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii was assessed and its mechanism of action was unveiled. METHODS The amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii trophozoites and the cytotoxicity of EC in HCE-2 and C6 cells were determined with cell viability assay. The underlying amoebicidal mechanism of EC against A. castellanii was analyzed by the apoptosis/necrosis assay, TUNEL assay, mitochondrial dysfunction assay, caspase-3 assay, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The cysticidal activity of EC was also investigated. RESULTS EC revealed amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites with an IC50 of 37.01 ± 3.96 µM, but was not cytotoxic to HCE-2 or C6 cells. EC induced apoptotic events such as increases in DNA fragmentation and intracellular reactive oxygen species production in A. castellanii. EC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction in the amoebae, as evidenced by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reductions in ATP production. Caspase-3 activity, autophagosome formation, and the expression levels of autophagy-related genes were also increased in EC-treated amoebae. EC led to the partial death of cysts and the inhibition of excystation. CONCLUSION EC revealed promising amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites via programmed cell death events. EC could be a candidate drug or supplemental compound for treating Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Tuấn Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea.
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Ilyas M, Stapleton F, Willcox MDP, Henriquez F, Peguda HK, Rayamajhee B, Zahid T, Petsoglou C, Carnt NA. Epidemiology of and Genetic Factors Associated with Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Pathogens 2024; 13:142. [PMID: 38392880 PMCID: PMC10892102 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020142] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe, rare protozoal infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba can survive in diverse habitats and at extreme temperatures. AK is mostly seen in contact lens wearers whose lenses have become contaminated or who have a history of water exposure, and in those without contact lens wear who have experienced recent eye trauma involving contaminated soil or water. Infection usually results in severe eye pain, photophobia, inflammation, and corneal epithelial defects. The pathophysiology of this infection is multifactorial, including the production of cytotoxic proteases by Acanthamoeba that degrades the corneal epithelial basement membrane and induces the death of ocular surface cells, resulting in degradation of the collagen-rich corneal stroma. AK can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, which includes avoiding water contact, such as swimming or showering in contact lenses, and wearing protective goggles when working on the land. AK is mostly treated with an antimicrobial therapy of biguanides alone or in combination with diaminidines, although the commercial availability of these medicines is variable. Other than anti-amoeba therapies, targeting host immune pathways in Acanthamoeba disease may lead to the development of vaccines or antibody therapeutics which could transform the management of AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ilyas
- Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab 54000, Pakistan; (M.I.)
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Mark D. P. Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Fiona Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, The University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
| | - Hari Kumar Peguda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Binod Rayamajhee
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Tasbiha Zahid
- Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab 54000, Pakistan; (M.I.)
| | | | - Nicole A. Carnt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
- Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Akbar N, Siddiqui R, El-Gamal MI, Zaraei SO, Saeed BQ, Alawfi BS, Khan NA. Potential anti-amoebic activity of sulfonate- and sulfamate-containing carboxamide derivatives against pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the genotype T4. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102814. [PMID: 37806551 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102814] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba are ubiquitously distributed in the environment and can cause infection of the central nervous system as well a sight-threatening eye infection. Herein, the potential anti-amoebic activity of a series of sulfonate/sulfamate derivatives against pathogenic A. castellanii was evaluated. These compounds were tested using several assays namely amoebicidal, adhesion, excystation, cytotoxic, and cytopathogenicity. Amoebicidal assays revealed that the selected compounds reduced amoebae viability significantly (P < 0.05), and exhibited IC50 values at two-digit micromolar concentrations. Sulfamate derivatives 1j & 1k inhibited 50% of amoebae at 30.65 μM and 27.21 μM, respectively. The tested compounds blocked amoebae binding to host cells as well as inhibited amoebae excystation. Notably, the selected derivatives exhibited minimal human cell cytotoxicity but reduced parasite-mediated host cell damage. Overall, our study showed that sulfamate derivatives 1j & 1k have anti-amoebic potential and offer a promising avenue in the development of potential anti-amoebic drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Akbar
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey; College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed I El-Gamal
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Seyed-Omar Zaraei
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Balsam Qubais Saeed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bader Saleem Alawfi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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Rayamajhee B, Willcox M, Henriquez FL, Vijay AK, Petsoglou C, Shrestha GS, Peguda HK, Carnt N. The role of naturally acquired intracellular Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the development of Acanthamoeba keratitis in an animal model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011878. [PMID: 38166139 PMCID: PMC10795995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is an environmental host for various microorganisms. Acanthamoeba is also becoming an increasingly important pathogen as a cause of keratitis. In Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), coinfections involving pathogenic bacteria have been reported, potentially attributed to the carriage of microbes by Acanthamoeba. This study assessed the presence of intracellular bacteria in Acanthamoeba species recovered from domestic tap water and corneas of two different AK patients and examined the impact of naturally occurring intracellular bacteria within Acanthamoeba on the severity of corneal infections in rats. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Household water and corneal swabs were collected from AK patients. Acanthamoeba strains and genotypes were confirmed by sequencing. Acanthamoeba isolates were assessed for the presence of intracellular bacteria using sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and electron microscopy. The viability of the bacteria in Acanthamoeba was assessed by labelling with alkyne-functionalized D-alanine (alkDala). Primary human macrophages were used to compare the intracellular survival and replication of the endosymbiotic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a wild type strain. Eyes of rats were challenged intrastromally with Acanthamoeba containing or devoid of P. aeruginosa and evaluated for the clinical response. Domestic water and corneal swabs were positive for Acanthamoeba. Both strains belonged to genotype T4F. One of the Acanthamoeba isolates harboured P. aeruginosa which was seen throughout the Acanthamoeba's cytoplasm. It was metabolically active and could be seen undergoing binary fission. This motile strain was able to replicate in macrophage to a greater degree than strain PAO1 (p<0.05). Inoculation of Acanthamoeba containing the intracellular P. aeruginosa in rats eyes resulted in a severe keratitis with increased neutrophil response. Acanthamoeba alone induced milder keratitis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings indicate the presence of live intracellular bacteria in Acanthamoeba can increase the severity of acute keratitis in vivo. As P. aeruginosa is a common cause of keratitis, this may indicate the potential for these intracellular bacteria in Acanthamoeba to lead to severe polymicrobial keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Rayamajhee
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona L. Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Blantyre, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Constantinos Petsoglou
- Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital, Southeastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gauri Shankar Shrestha
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hari Kumar Peguda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Carnt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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Shareef O, Shareef S, Saeed HN. New Frontiers in Acanthamoeba Keratitis Diagnosis and Management. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1489. [PMID: 38132315 PMCID: PMC10740828 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) is a severe corneal infection caused by the Acanthamoeba species of protozoa, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. AK requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to mitigate vision impairment. Diagnosing AK is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other corneal infections, and treatment is made complicated by the organism's dual forms and increasing virulence, and delayed diagnosis. In this review, new approaches in AK diagnostics and treatment within the last 5 years are discussed. The English-language literature on PubMed was reviewed using the search terms "Acanthamoeba keratitis" and "diagnosis" or "treatment" and focused on studies published between 2018 and 2023. Two hundred sixty-five publications were initially identified, of which eighty-seven met inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review highlights the findings of these studies. Notably, advances in PCR-based diagnostics may be clinically implemented in the near future, while antibody-based and machine-learning approaches hold promise for the future. Single-drug topical therapy (0.08% PHMB) may improve drug access and efficacy, while oral medication (i.e., miltefosine) may offer a treatment option for patients with recalcitrant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Shareef
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA;
| | - Sana Shareef
- Department of Bioethics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Hajirah N. Saeed
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Feizi S, Karjou Z, Esfandiari H. Lately Diagnosed Acanthamoeba Keratitis Manifesting as an Intrastromal Corneal Abscess: A Case Report. Eye Contact Lens 2023; 49:569-571. [PMID: 37713628 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 42-year-old female contact lens wearer presented to a local emergency department with a 3-day history of decreased vision and ocular discomfort in her right eye. She was started on topical fluorometholone and oral acyclovir with initial diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. After 3 weeks of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcer and treated with levofloxacin eye drops every 2 hr. After 14 days of no improvement, she was referred to our clinic for further workup. Slitlamp examination demonstrated a solitary dense 3×3-mm infiltration involving anterior and central corneal stroma. The overlying epithelium was intact, and there was no subepithelial infiltration, radial perineuritis, keratic precipitates, or anterior chamber reaction. Corneal sensation was normal. Confocal microscopy and corneal biopsy were definitive for Acanthamoeba infection. The patient received polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.02% every 2 hr and oral ketoconazole 200 mg twice a day, which resulted in improvement in her signs and symptoms within 10 days. The medications were gradually tapered off over 5 months per clinical response. At the 9-month follow-up visit, the best-corrected visual acuity was 5/10 with a superficial central stromal scar at slitlamp examination. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in contact lens wearers who present with intrastromal corneal abscess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Feizi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center (S.F., Z.K.), Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Ophthalmology (H.E.), Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, MN
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Hernández-Martínez D, Castro Pot E, Hernández Olmos P, Guzmán Hernández EA, Cobos DS, Villa Ramírez S, Villamar Duque TE, Durán Díaz Á, Omaña-Molina M. Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites that survive multipurpose solutions are able to adhere to cosmetic contact lenses, increasing the risk of infection. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19599. [PMID: 37809484 PMCID: PMC10558846 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19599] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are etiological agents of amoebic keratitis, for which up to now there is no treatment of choice and one of its main risk factors is the use of contact lenses, including cosmetic contact lenses. Recently there has been an increase in amoebic keratitis cases due to the use of cosmetic contact lenses. Therefore, having a solution for the care of lenses with an efficient disinfectant effect that prevents the adhesion of trophozoites to lenses becomes essential. This study was carried out to determine the effect of 8 multipurpose contact lenses care solutions on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites viability, and the efficiency of two of them to prevent the trophozoites adherence onto two cosmetic contact lenses (Acuvue 2, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and Magic Eye CCL, not approved). After 3 h of interaction, only AO Sept Plus, OPTI FREE Replenish, Renu Plus, Bio True and Multiplus significantly reduced the number of viable trophozoites with respect to the control; at 6 h Renu Plus, and at 12 h Conta Soft Plus and Multiplus, maintained the inhibitory effect. Only Opti Free Pure Moist did not significantly reduce the number of viable trophozoites. Multiplus and Opti Free Pure Moist (selected for their greater and lesser antiamibic effect) significantly reduced trophozoite adherence to both lenses; however, Opti Free Pure Moist was more efficient, despite the fact that A. castellanii adhered similarly to both lenses. Our results show that in all the multipurpose solutions evaluated, hundreds of viable A. castellanii trophozoites remain after several hours of incubation. Therefore, storage of the lenses in their case with MPS maintains the potential risk of amoebic keratitis in, cosmetic contact lenses wearers. Moreover, the use of CCL, not approved by the FDA, can increase the risk factor for AK since its poor manufacture can favor the permanence of amoebae, in addition to being a risk for corneal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Hernández-Martínez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Edson Castro Pot
- Carrera de Optometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Perla Hernández Olmos
- Carrera de Optometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | | | - David Segura Cobos
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Sandra Villa Ramírez
- Carrera de Optometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Tomás Ernesto Villamar Duque
- Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Ángel Durán Díaz
- Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico
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Connelly L, Anijeet D, Tole D, Alexander CL. Acanthamoeba keratitis: Molecular typing of Acanthamoeba species directly from ocular tissue. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100141. [PMID: 37680763 PMCID: PMC10480524 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This report explores the molecular profiling of Acanthamoeba spp. from individuals in the UK suffering from a debilitating, sight-threatening disease of the cornea known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Seventy ocular samples from individuals undergoing investigations for AK were sent to the Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (SMiRL), Glasgow during 2017-2019, and subjected to DNA extraction followed by in-depth molecular typing using a nested PCR/bi-directional sequencing approach. Of the 70 samples tested, 40 were PCR-positive. Of these, 32 were successfully sequenced and assigned to two of 23 existing genotypes termed T1 to T23. Molecular profiling of the 32 samples highlighted two genotypes, namely T3 (n = 3) and T4 (n = 29). For those 29 samples identified as the T4 genotype, a sub-genotype (T4A-T4H) was recorded: T4A (n = 18); T4B (n = 5); T4C (n = 1); T4E (n = 4); and T4F (n = 1). This study highlights that the T4 genotype and T4A subtype are the predominant molecular variants to cause ocular disease in the UK. Gaining in-depth information on the molecular profiling of Acanthamoeba spp. is essential to increase our understanding of the source(s) of infection, transmission pathways, and potential associations with clinical outcomes for this rare, yet potentially debilitating ocular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Connelly
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories, Glasgow (SMiRL), Glasgow, UK
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20
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Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Akbar N, Khamis M, Ibrahim T, Khan AS, Khan NA. Antiamoebic properties of Methyltrioctylammonium chloride based deep eutectic solvents. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2023; 46:101758. [PMID: 36243521 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2022.101758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This aim of this study was to assess anti-parasitic properties of deep eutectic solvents against eye pathogen, Acanthamoeba, often associated with the use of contact lens. METHODS Assays were performed to investigate the effects of various Methyltrioctylammonium chloride-based deep eutectic solvents on Acanthamoeba castellanii, comprising amoebicidal assays, encystment assays, excystment assays, cytotoxicity assays by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release from human cells, and cytopathogenicity assays to determine parasite-mediated host cell death. RESULTS In a 2 h incubation period, DES-B, DES-C, DES-D, and DES-E exhibited up to 85 % amoebicidal activity at micromolar doses, which was enhanced further following 24 h incubation. When tested in encystment assays, selected deep eutectic solvents abolished cyst formation and were able to block excystment of A. castellanii. All solvents exhibited minimal human cell cytotoxicity except DES-D. Finally, all tested deep eutectic solvents inhibited amoeba-mediated cytopathogenicity, except DES-B. CONCLUSIONS Deep eutectic solvents show potent antiamoebic effects. These findings are promising and could lead to the development of novel contact lens disinfectants, as well as opening several avenues to explore the molecular mechanisms, various doses and incubation periods, and use of different bases against Acanthamoeba castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates; Istinye Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noor Akbar
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mustafa Khamis
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Taleb Ibrahim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amir Sada Khan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology, Banuu 28100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, C
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University, City, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Istinye Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey..
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Wei Z, Cao K, Zhang Z, Liang Q. The global epidemiology and clinical diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:841-852. [PMID: 37030037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare parasitic infection of the cornea that can lead to permanent blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We collected data on the incidences of Acanthamoeba keratitis from 20 countries and calculated an annual incidence of 23,561 cases, with the lowest rates in Tunisia and Belgium, and the highest in India. We analyzed 3755 Acanthamoeba sequences from the GenBank database across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania and genotyped them into T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T10, T11, T12, and T15. Many genotypes possess different characteristics, yet T4 is the most prevalent genotype. As efficient treatment against Acanthamoeba remains lacking, prevention from early diagnosis via staining, PCR, or in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) becomes significant for the condition's prognosis. IVCM is the most recommended approach for the early detection of Acanthamoeba. If IVCM is unavailable, PCR should be used as an alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xizhan Xu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhenyu Wei
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kai Cao
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qingfeng Liang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100005, China.
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22
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Novel Map Biopsy Technique to Define the Extent of Infection Before Penetrating Keratoplasty for Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Cornea 2023; 42:365-368. [PMID: 36730013 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report a novel approach of prepenetrating keratoplasty (PKP) corneal map biopsies to define the extent of Acanthamoeba cyst infiltration in recalcitrant Acanthamoeba keratitis. METHODS Corneal map biopsies were performed 1 week before PKP. Four biopsies, 1 from each peripheral corneal quadrant, were obtained to delineate the extent of microscopic infection. Histological results of these map biopsies were used to determine the size and location of the subsequent PKP. RESULTS In our first case, map biopsies revealed Acanthamoeba cysts in 2 of the 4 biopsies. This led to an inferotemporally eccentric 8.5-mm PKP. The final histology report indicated that the closest resection margin was 0.08 mm. In our second case, the peripheral map biopsies were clear and an inferiorly eccentric 8.25-mm PKP was performed. The final histology report indicated that the closest resection margin was 2.3 mm. Both grafts have remained clear at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Map biopsies of the cornea can achieve total removal of the corneal tissues infested with Acanthamoeba cysts and prevent reinfection of the donor graft.
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Kang MS, Kim S, Kim DS, Yu HS, Lee JE. The amoebicidal effect of Torreya nucifera extract on Acanthamoeba lugdunensis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281141. [PMID: 36745609 PMCID: PMC9901751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of contact lens users increases, contact lens induced corneal infection is becoming more common. Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a type of those which is caused by Acanthamoeba species, and may cause severe ocular inflammation and visual loss. We evaluated whether Torreya nucifera (T. nucifera) extract has an anti-amoebic effect and studied its mechanism of action on Acanthamoeba lugdunensis (A. lugdunensis). Cell viability was tested using the alamarBlue™ method, and the cell death mechanism was confirmed using the Tali® Apoptosis Kit. The SYTOX® Green assay was performed to check the plasma membrane permeability. The JC-1 dye was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential. A CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Assay was used to measure the adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) level. Morphological changes in the mitochondria were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cystic changes and a decrease in cell viability after treatment with T. nucifera were observed. Both apoptotic and necrotic cells were found in the Tali® Apoptosis assay. There was no significant difference in plasma membrane permeability between the control and T. nucifera treated groups. The collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced ATP level in A. lugdunensis was confirmed in the groups treated with T. nucifera. Structural damage to the mitochondria was observed on TEM in the groups treated with T. nucifera. T. nucifera showed an anti-amoebic effect on A. lugdunensis, by inducing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, it could be a future therapeutic agent for AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seung Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Sangyoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Da Som Kim
- Research Center of Manufacturing Process and Analytical Development, Aprogen, Osong, South Korea
| | - Hak Sun Yu
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea
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24
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Gongolarones as antiamoeboid chemical scaffold. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114185. [PMID: 36916403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Free Living Amoeba (FLA) infections caused by Acanthamoeba genus include chronic nervous system diseases such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), or a severe eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Current studies focused on therapy against these diseases are aiming to find novel compounds with amoebicidal activity and low toxicity to human tissues. Brown algae, such as Gongolaria abies-marina (previously known as Cystoseira abies-marina, S.G. Gmelin), presents bioactive molecules of interest, including some with antiprotozoal activity. In this study, six meroterpenoids were isolated and purified from the species Gongolaria abies-marina. Gongolarones A (1), B (2) and C (3) were identified as new compounds. Additionally, cystomexicone B (4), 1'-methoxyamentadione (5) and 6Z-1'-methoxyamentadione (6) were isolated. All compounds exhibited amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff, A. polyphaga and A. griffini strains. Gongolarones A (1) and C (3) showed the lowest IC50 values against the two stages of these amoebae (trophozoite and cyst). Structure-activity relationship revealed that the cyclization by ether formation from C-12 to C-15 of 1, and the isomerization Δ2 t to Δ3 t of 3, increased the antiamoeboid activity of both compounds. Furthermore, gongolarones A (1) and C (3) triggered chromatin condensation, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, and disorganization of the tubulin-actin cytoskeleton in treated trophozoites. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 3 induced autophagy process and inhibited the encystation process. All those results suggest that both compounds could induce programmed cell death (PCD) in Acanthamoeba.
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25
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Bi C, Xu H, Yu J, Ding Z, Liu Z. Botanical characteristics, chemical components, biological activity, and potential applications of mangosteen. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15329. [PMID: 37187523 PMCID: PMC10178281 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Garcinia mangostana L. (Mangosteen), a functional food, belongs to the Garcinaceae family and has various pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Mangosteen has abundant chemical constituents with powerful pharmacological effects. After searching scientific literature databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Research Gate, Web of Science, VIP, Wanfang, and CNKI, we summarized the traditional applications, botanical features, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of mangosteen. Further, we revealed the mechanism by which it improves health and treats disease. These findings provide a theoretical basis for mangosteen's future clinical use and will aid doctors and researchers who investigate the biological activity and functions of food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jingru Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zhinan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, PR China
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26
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Ávila-Blanco ME, Aguilera-Martínez SL, Ventura-Juarez J, Pérez-Serrano J, Casillas-Casillas E, Barba-Gallardo LF. Effectiveness of Polyclonal Antibody Immunoconjugate Treatment with Propamidine Isethionate for Amoebic Keratitis in Golden Hamsters. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:3713368. [PMID: 37143958 PMCID: PMC10154091 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3713368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba griffini is known to cause amoebic keratitis (AK); its main causes are inadequate hygiene when contact lenses are handled and/or its prolonged use at night, as well as the use of contact lenses during underwater activities. The most used treatment for AK is the combination of propamidine isethionate combined with polyhexamethylene biguanide, which disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane, and damages cellular components and respiratory enzymes. We proposed an immunoconjugate treatment obtained from Acanthamoeba immunized rabbit serum combined with propamidine isethionate; the corneas of hamsters inoculated with A. griffini (MYP2004) were treated with the combined, at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Propamidine isethionate is frequently used for AK treatment, in vivo study we are found IL-1β and IL-10 expression and caspase 3 activity is significantly increased with respect to the group that was inoculated with the amoeba without receiving any treatment, suggesting that it may be an effect of the toxicity of this drug on the corneal tissue. Application of the immunoconjugate showed enhanced amoebicidal and anti-inflammatory activities, with comparison to propamidine isethionate only. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the immunoconjugate of propamidine isethionate and polyclonal antibodies as a treatment of AK in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).
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27
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Wang Y, Jiang L, Zhao Y, Ju X, Wang L, Jin L, Fine RD, Li M. Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1147077. [PMID: 37089530 PMCID: PMC10113681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1147077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoa, which exists widely in nature and is mainly distributed in soil and water. Acanthamoeba usually exists in two forms, trophozoites and cysts. The trophozoite stage is one of growth and reproduction while the cyst stage is characterized by cellular quiescence, commonly resulting in human infection, and the lack of effective monotherapy after initial infection leads to chronic disease. Acanthamoeba can infect several human body tissues such as the skin, cornea, conjunctiva, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, especially when the tissue barriers are damaged. Furthermore, serious infections can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, skin, and lung infections. With an increasing number of Acanthamoeba infections in recent years, the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba is becoming more relevant to mainstream clinical care. This review article will describe the etiological characteristics of Acanthamoeba infection in detail from the aspects of biological characteristic, classification, disease, and pathogenic mechanism in order to provide scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Wang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Linzhe Jiang
- General Surgery, Jilin People’s Hospital, Jilin City, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xiaohong Ju
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Ryan D. Fine
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Mingguang Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
- *Correspondence: Mingguang Li,
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Zhang Z, Wang Y, Zhang H, Samusak A, Rao H, Xiao C, Abula M, Cao Q, Dai Q. Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis of ocular surface diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1133680. [PMID: 36875760 PMCID: PMC9981656 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1133680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of computer technology, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology research has gained prominence in modern medicine. Artificial intelligence-related research in ophthalmology previously focused on the screening and diagnosis of fundus diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Since fundus images are relatively fixed, their standards are easy to unify. Artificial intelligence research related to ocular surface diseases has also increased. The main issue with research on ocular surface diseases is that the images involved are complex, with many modalities. Therefore, this review aims to summarize current artificial intelligence research and technologies used to diagnose ocular surface diseases such as pterygium, keratoconus, infectious keratitis, and dry eye to identify mature artificial intelligence models that are suitable for research of ocular surface diseases and potential algorithms that may be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhui Zhang
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Hongzhen Zhang
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Arzigul Samusak
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Huimin Rao
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Chun Xiao
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Muhetaer Abula
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China
| | - Qixin Cao
- Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou, China
| | - Qi Dai
- The First People's Hospital of Aksu District in Xinjiang, Aksu City, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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29
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Campolo A, Pifer R, Walters R, Thomas M, Miller E, Harris V, King J, Rice CA, Shannon P, Patterson B, Crary M. Acanthamoeba spp. aggregate and encyst on contact lens material increasing resistance to disinfection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1089092. [PMID: 36601401 PMCID: PMC9806144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1089092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acanthamoeba keratitis is often caused when Acanthamoeba contaminate contact lenses and infect the cornea. Acanthamoeba is pervasive in the environment as a motile, foraging trophozoite or biocide-resistant and persistent cyst. As contact lens contamination is a potential first step in infection, we studied Acanthamoeba's behavior and interactions on different contact lens materials. We hypothesized that contact lenses may induce aggregation, which is a precursor to encystment, and that aggregated encystment would be more difficult to disinfect than motile trophozoites. Methods Six clinically and/or scientifically relevant strains of Acanthamoeba (ATCC 30010, ATCC 30461, ATCC 50370, ATCC 50702, ATCC 50703, and ATCC PRA-115) were investigated on seven different common silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and a no-lens control, for aggregation and encystment for 72 h. Cell count and size were used to determine aggregation, and fluorescent staining was used to understand encystment. RNA seq was performed to describe the genome of Acanthamoeba which was individually motile or aggregated on different lens materials. Disinfection efficacy using three common multi-purpose solutions was calculated to describe the potential disinfection resistance of trophozoites, individual cysts, or spheroids. Results Acanthamoeba trophozoites of all strains examined demonstrated significantly more aggregation on specific contact lens materials than others, or the no-lens control. Fluorescent staining demonstrated encystment in as little as 4 hours on contact lens materials, which is substantially faster than previously reported in natural or laboratory settings. Gene expression profiles corroborated encystment, with significantly differentially expressed pathways involving actin arrangement and membrane complexes. High disinfection resistance of cysts and spheroids with multi-purpose solutions was observed. Discussion Aggregation/encystment is a protective mechanism which may enable Acanthamoeba to be more disinfection resistant than individual trophozoites. This study demonstrates that some contact lens materials promote Acanthamoeba aggregation and encystment, and Acanthamoeba spheroids obstruct multi-purpose solutions from disinfecting Acanthamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reed Pifer
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | | | - Megan Thomas
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Elise Miller
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | | | - Jamie King
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Christopher A. Rice
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery (PIDD), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States,Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Paul Shannon
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | | | - Monica Crary
- Alcon Research, LLC, Fort Worth, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Monica Crary,
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30
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Lê HG, Choi JS, Hwang BS, Jeong YT, Kang JM, Võ TC, Cho PY, Lee YK, Yoo WG, Hong Y, Oh YT, Na BK. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Extract Induces Apoptosis-like Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3459. [PMID: 36559571 PMCID: PMC9783201 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an infectious ocular disease which is difficult to diagnose correctly and cure. Development of an effective and safe therapeutic drug for AK is needed. Our preliminary screening of more than 200 extracts from wild plants collected in Korea suggested the potential amoebicidal activity of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. extract (PAE) against Acanthamoeba species. Here, we aimed to analyze the amoebicidal activity of PAE on Acanthamoeba and its underlying amoebicidal mechanism. PAE induced amoebicidal activity against both A. castellanii and A. polyphaga trophozoites, while it showed low cytotoxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2) and human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed subcellular morphological changes, such as increased granules, abnormal mitochondria, and atypical cyst wall formation, in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. Fluorometric apoptosis assay and TUNEL assay revealed apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. The PAE treatment increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in the amoeba. The enhanced expression of autophagy-associated genes was also detected. These results suggested that PAE exerted a promising amoebicidal effect on A. castellanii trophozoites via the PCD pathway. PAE could be a potential candidate for developing a therapeutic drug for AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương-Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Su Choi
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Buyng-Su Hwang
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Tae Jeong
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuấn-Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyo-Yun Cho
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyung Lee
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Taek Oh
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
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Chuprom J, Sangkanu S, Mitsuwan W, Boonhok R, Mahabusarakam W, Singh LR, Dumkliang E, Jitrangsri K, Paul AK, Surinkaew S, Wilairatana P, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wiart C, Oliveira SMR, Nissapatorn V. Anti- Acanthamoeba activity of a semi-synthetic mangostin derivative and its ability in removal of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001 on contact lens. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14468. [PMID: 36523474 PMCID: PMC9745913 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Garcinia mangostana L., also known as the mangosteen tree, is a native medicinal plant in Southeast Asia having a wide variety of pharmacologically active compounds, including xanthonoid mangostin. In this study, we examined the pharmacological activities of the selected semi-synthetic mangostin derivative, namely, amoebicidal activity, encystation inhibition, excystation activity, and removal capacity of adhesive Acanthamoeba from the surface of contact lens (CL). Among the three derivatives, C1 exhibited promising anti-Acanthamoeba activity against Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001 trophozoites and cysts. SEM images displayed morphological changes in Acanthamoeba trophozoites, including the loss of acanthopodia, pore formation in the cell membrane, and membrane damage. In addition, the treated cyst was shrunken and adopted an irregular flat cyst shape. Under a fluorescence microscope, acridine orange and propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining revealed C1 induced condensation of cytoplasm and chromatin with the loss of cell volume in the treated trophozoites, while calcofluor white staining demonstrated the leakage of cell wall in treated cysts, leading to cell death. Interestingly, at the concentration ranges in which C1 showed the anti-Acanthamoeba effects (IC50 values ranging from 0.035-0.056 mg/mL), they were not toxic to Vero cells. C1 displayed the highest inhibitory effect on A. triangularis encystation at 1/16×MIC value (0.004 mg/mL). While C1 demonstrated the excystation activity at 1/128×MIC value with a high rate of 89.47%. Furthermore, C1 exhibited the removal capacity of adhesive Acanthamoeba from the surface of CL comparable with commercial multipurpose solutions (MPSs). Based on the results obtained, C1 may be a promising lead agent to develop a therapeutic for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections and disinfectant solutions for CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julalak Chuprom
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand,School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Wilawan Mahabusarakam
- Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - L. Ravithej Singh
- Fluoro-Agrochemicals Division, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, India,Chemical Sciences Division, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ekachai Dumkliang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Kritamorn Jitrangsri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Sirirat Surinkaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials & Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kin-abalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sonia Marlene Rodrigues Oliveira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials & Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Chen L, Kuang L, Ross AE, Farhat W, Boychev N, Sharfi S, Kanu LN, Liu L, Kohane DS, Ciolino JB. Topical Sustained Delivery of Miltefosine Via Drug-Eluting Contact Lenses to Treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122750. [PMID: 36559244 PMCID: PMC9781349 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a miltefosine-eluting contact lens (MLF-CL) device that would allow sustained and localized miltefosine release for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. MLF-CLs were produced in three different miltefosine doses by solvent-casting a thin miltefosine-polymer film around the periphery of a methafilcon hydrogel, which was then lathed into a contact lens. During seven days of in vitro testing, all three formulations demonstrated sustained release from the lens at theoretically therapeutic levels. Based on the physicochemical characterization of MLF-CLs, MLF-CL's physical properties are not significantly different from commercial contact lenses in terms of light transmittance, water content and wettability. MLF-CLs possessed a slight reduction in compression modulus that was attributed to the inclusion of polymer-drug films but still remain within the optimal range of soft contact lenses. In cytotoxicity studies, MLF-CL indicated up to 91% viability, which decreased proportionally as miltefosine loading increased. A three-day biocompatibility test on New Zealand White rabbits revealed no impact of MLF-CLs on the corneal tissue. The MLF-CLs provided sustained in vitro release of miltefosine for a week while maintaining comparable physical features to a commercial contact lens. MLF-CL has a promising potential to be used as a successful treatment method for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Liangju Kuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (L.K.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Amy E. Ross
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wissam Farhat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nikolay Boychev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sina Sharfi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Levi N. Kanu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Longqian Liu
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daniel S. Kohane
- Department of Anesthesia, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph B. Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (L.K.); (J.B.C.)
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Pastrana C, Guerreiro JRL, Elumalai M, Carpena-Torres C, Crooke A, Carracedo G, Prado M, Huete-Toral F. Dual-Mode Gold Nanoparticle-Based Method for Early Detection of Acanthamoeba. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314877. [PMID: 36499204 PMCID: PMC9740238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis is an aggressive and rapidly progressing ocular pathology whose main risk factor is the use of contact lenses. An early and differential diagnosis is considered the main factor to prevent the progression and improve the prognosis of the pathology. However, current diagnosis techniques require time, complex and costly materials making an early diagnosis challenging. Thus, there is a need for fast, accessible, and accurate methods for Acanthamoeba detection by practitioners for timely and suitable treatment and even for contact lens user as preventive diagnosis. Here, we developed a dual-mode colorimetric-based method for fast, visual, and accurate detection of Acanthamoeba using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). For this strategy, AuNPs were functionalized with thiolated probes and the presence of target Acanthamoeba genomic sequences, produce a colorimetric change from red to purple. This approach allows the detection of 0.02 and 0.009 μM of the unamplified Acanthamoeba genome by the naked eye in less than 20 min and by color analysis using a smartphone. Additionally, real samples were successfully analyzed showing the potential of the technology considering the lack of point-of-care tools that are mostly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pastrana
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (J.R.L.G.)
| | - J. Rafaela L. Guerreiro
- Food Quality and Safety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Av. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
- BioMark@ISEP, School of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
- CEB/LABBELS, Center of Biological Engineering, Minho University, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (J.R.L.G.)
| | - Monisha Elumalai
- Food Quality and Safety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Av. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Carlos Carpena-Torres
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Crooke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Carracedo
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Prado
- Food Quality and Safety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Av. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Huete-Toral
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain
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Markandan K, Tiong YW, Sankaran R, Subramanian S, Markandan UD, Chaudhary V, Numan A, Khalid M, Walvekar R. Emergence of infectious diseases and role of advanced nanomaterials in point-of-care diagnostics: a review. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2022:1-89. [PMID: 36243900 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2127070] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Infectious outbreaks are the foremost global public health concern, challenging the current healthcare system, which claims millions of lives annually. The most crucial way to control an infectious outbreak is by early detection through point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. POC diagnostics are highly advantageous owing to the prompt diagnosis, which is economical, simple and highly efficient with remote access capabilities. In particular, utilization of nanomaterials to architect POC devices has enabled highly integrated and portable (compact) devices with enhanced efficiency. As such, this review will detail the factors influencing the emergence of infectious diseases and methods for fast and accurate detection, thus elucidating the underlying factors of these infections. Furthermore, it comprehensively highlights the importance of different nanomaterials in POCs to detect nucleic acid, whole pathogens, proteins and antibody detection systems. Finally, we summarize findings reported on nanomaterials based on advanced POCs such as lab-on-chip, lab-on-disc-devices, point-of-action and hospital-on-chip. To this end, we discuss the challenges, potential solutions, prospects of integrating internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, 5G communications and data clouding to achieve intelligent POCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaimani Markandan
- Temasek Laboratories, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Drive, Singapore
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yong Wei Tiong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive, Singapore
| | - Revathy Sankaran
- Graduate School, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sakthinathan Subramanian
- Department of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Vishal Chaudhary
- Research Cell & Department of Physics, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Arshid Numan
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rashmi Walvekar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Rayamajhee B, Sharma S, Willcox M, Henriquez FL, Rajagopal RN, Shrestha GS, Subedi D, Bagga B, Carnt N. Assessment of genotypes, endosymbionts and clinical characteristics of Acanthamoeba recovered from ocular infection. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:757. [PMID: 36175838 PMCID: PMC9520893 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07741-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acanthamoeba is an emerging pathogen, infamous for its resilience against antiprotozoal compounds, disinfectants and harsh environments. It is known to cause keratitis, a sight-threatening, painful and difficult to treat corneal infection which is often reported among contact lens wearers and patients with ocular trauma. Acanthamoeba comprises over 24 species and currently 23 genotypes (T1-T23) have been identified. Aims This retrospective study was designed to examine the Acanthamoeba species and genotypes recovered from patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), determine the presence of endosymbionts in ocular isolates of Acanthamoeba and review the clinical presentations. Methodology Thirteen culture-confirmed AK patients treated in a tertiary eye care facility in Hyderabad, India from February to October 2020 were included in this study. The clinical manifestations, medications and visual outcomes of all patients were obtained from medical records. The Acanthamoeba isolates were identified by sequencing the ribosomal nuclear subunit (rns) gene. Acanthamoeba isolates were assessed for the presence of bacterial or fungal endosymbionts using molecular assays, PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results The mean age of the patients was 33 years (SD ± 17.4; 95% CI 22.5 to 43.5 years). Six (46.2%) cases had AK associated risk factors; four patients had ocular trauma and two were contact lens wearers. A. culbertsoni (6/13, 46.2%) was the most common species, followed by A. polyphaga and A. triangularis. Most of the isolates (12/13) belonged to genotype T4 and one was a T12; three sub-clusters T4A, T4B, and T4F were identified within the T4 genotype. There was no significant association between Acanthamoeba types and clinical outcomes. Eight (61.5%) isolates harboured intracellular bacteria and one contained Malassezia restricta. The presence of intracellular microbes was associated with a higher proportion of stromal infiltrates (88.9%, 8/9), epithelial defect (55.6%, 5/9) and hypopyon (55.6%, 5/9) compared to 50% (2/4), 25% (1/4) and 25% (1/4) AK cases without intracellular microbes, respectively. Conclusions Genotype T4 was the predominant isolate in southern India. This is the second report of T12 genotype identified from AK patient in India, which is rarely reported worldwide. The majority of the Acanthamoeba clinical isolates in this study harboured intracellular microbes, which may impact clinical characteristics of AK. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07741-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Rayamajhee
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mark Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona L Henriquez
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Gauri Shankar Shrestha
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dinesh Subedi
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Bhupesh Bagga
- The Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nicole Carnt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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Shin JH, Jung YH, Song HB, Kim MK, Yoon CH. Sutureless contact lens-type amniotic membrane for persistent epithelial defects after infectious keratitis. Int J Ophthalmol 2022; 15:1404-1406. [PMID: 36017035 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2022.08.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hye Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Beom Song
- Department of Medical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee Kum Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ho Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Martín-Escolano R, Pérez-Cordón G, Arán VJ, Marín C, Sánchez-Moreno M, Rosales MJ. 5-Nitroindazole derivatives as potential therapeutic alternatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106538. [PMID: 35618027 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106538] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba are distributed worldwide, including species with a high pathogenic capacity for humans. In a similar way to what occurs with other parasitic protozoa, the available treatments show variable effectiveness in addition to high toxicity, which demands the development of new treatments. Positive results of 5-nitroindazole derivatives against several protozoa parasites suggest that these compounds may be a promising tool for the development of efficient antiparasitic drugs. In the present work we have evaluated the in vitro activity of ten 5-nitroindazole derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. To that end, AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites compared to the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using Vero cells. The activity on cysts was evaluated by light microscopy and using a Neubauer chamber to quantifying cysts and presence of trophozoites, as an indication of cyst. Our results showed the effectiveness of the 5-nitroindazole derivatives tested against both trophozoites and cysts of A. castellani highlighting 5-nitroindazole derivative 8 which showed a 80% activity on cysts, which is higher than that of the reference drug. Moreover, 5-nitroindazole derivatives 8, 9 and 10 were more effective on trophozoites than the reference drug showing IC50 values lower than 5 µM. Taking together these results, these 5-nitroindazole derivatives specially compound 8, might be a promising alternative for the development of more efficient treatments against A. castellani infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT27NJ, UK.
| | - Gregorio Pérez-Cordón
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente J Arán
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain.
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A novel montmorillonite clay-cetylpyridinium chloride complex as a potential antiamoebic composite material in contact lenses disinfection. Exp Parasitol 2022; 240:108330. [PMID: 35868573 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108330] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba keratitis is a painful, sight-threatening infection. It is commonly associated with the use of contact lens. Several lines of evidence suggest inadequate contact lens solutions especially against the cyst forms of pathogenic Acanthamoeba, indicating the need to develop effective disinfectants. OBJECTIVE In this work, the application and assessment of montmorillonite clay (Mt-clay), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetylpyridinium chloride-montmorillonite clay complex (CPC-Mt) against keratitis-causing A. castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype was studied. METHODS Adhesion to human cells and amoeba-mediated cytopathogenicity assays were conducted to determine the impact of Mt-clay, CPC and CPC-Mt complex on amoeba-mediated binding and host cell death. Furthermore, assays were also performed to determine inhibitory effects of Mt-clay, CPC and CPC-Mt complex on encystment and excystment. In addition, the cytotoxicity of Mt-clay, CPC and CPC-Mt complex against human cells was examined. RESULTS The results revealed that CPC and CPC-Mt complex presented significant antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii at microgram dose. Also, the CPC and CPC-Mt complex inhibited amoebae binding to host cells. Furthermore, CPC and CPC-Mt complex, were found to inhibit the encystment and excystment processes. Finally, CPC and CPC-Mt complex showed minimal host cell cytotoxicity. These results show that CPC and CPC-Mt complex exhibit potent anti-acanthamoebic properties. CONCLUSION Given the ease of usage, safety, cost-effectiveness and long-term stability, CPC and CPC-Mt complex can prove to be an excellent choice in the rational development of contact-lens disinfectants to eradicate pathogenic Acanthamoeba effectively.
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Phumjan S, Jongboonjua R, Sangnopparat N, Kwankaew P, Tedasen A, Lim CL, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Dolma KG, Paul AK, Gupta M, Nissapatorn V. Curcumin effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis encystation under nutrient starvation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13657. [PMID: 35811814 PMCID: PMC9261923 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa, and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against Acanthamoeba triangularis was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to A. triangularis encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin on the survival of A. triangularis under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition, as well as to evaluate the A. triangularis encystation and a physiological change of Acanthamoeba autophagy at the mRNA level. Methods In this study, A. triangularis amoebas were treated with a sublethal dose of curcumin under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition and the surviving amoebas was investigated. Cysts formation and vacuolization were examined by microscopy and transcriptional expression of autophagy-related genes and other encystation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Results A. triangularis cysts were formed under nutrient starvation. However, in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the percentage of cysts was significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the presence of curcumin, most of the parasites remained in the trophozoite stage in both the starvation and nutrient-rich condition. In vacuolization analysis, the percentage of amoebas with enlarged vacuole was increased upon starvation. However, the percentage was significantly declined in the presence of curcumin and 3-MA. Molecular analysis of A. triangularis autophagy-related (ATG) genes showed that the mRNA expression of the ATG genes, ATG3, ATG8b, ATG12, ATG16, under the starvation with curcumin was at a basal level along the treatment. The results were similar to those of the curcumin-treated amoebas under a nutrient-rich condition, except AcATG16 which increased later. On the other hand, mRNA expression of encystation-related genes, cellulose synthase and serine proteinase, remained unchanged during the first 18 h, but significantly increased at 24 h post treatment. Conclusion Curcumin inhibits cyst formation in surviving trophozoites, which may result from its effect on mRNA expression of key Acanthamoeba ATG-related genes. However, further investigation into the mechanism of curcumin in A. triangularis trophozoites arrest and its association with autophagy or other encystation-related pathways is needed to support the future use of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suganya Phumjan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Ramita Jongboonjua
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Sangnopparat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Aman Tedasen
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooi Ling Lim
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rachathewee, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim, India
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Cabrera‐Aguas M, Khoo P, Watson SL. Infectious keratitis: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:543-562. [PMID: 35610943 PMCID: PMC9542356 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, infectious keratitis is the fifth leading cause of blindness. The main predisposing factors include contact lens wear, ocular injury and ocular surface disease. Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fusarium species, Candida species and Acanthamoeba species are the most common causal organisms. Culture of corneal scrapes is the preferred initial test to identify the culprit organism. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and in vivo confocal microscopy can complement the diagnosis. Empiric therapy is typically commenced with fluoroquinolones, or fortified antibiotics for bacterial keratitis; topical natamycin for fungal keratitis; and polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine for acanthamoeba keratitis. Herpes simplex keratitis is mainly diagnosed clinically; however, PCR can also be used to confirm the initial diagnosis and in atypical cases. Antivirals and topical corticosteroids are indicated depending on the corneal layer infected. Vision impairment, blindness and even loss of the eye can occur with a delay in diagnosis and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cabrera‐Aguas
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Pauline Khoo
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Stephanie L. Watson
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Corneal Unit Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Padzik M, Chomicz L, Bluszcz J, Maleszewska K, Grobelny J, Conn DB, Hendiger EB. Tannic Acid-Modified Silver Nanoparticles in Conjunction with Contact Lens Solutions Are Useful for Progress against the Adhesion of Acanthamoeba spp. to Contact Lenses. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061076. [PMID: 35744595 PMCID: PMC9230222 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061076] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are amphizoic amoebae that are widely distributed in the environment and capable of entering the human body. They can cause pathogenic effects in different tissues and organs, including Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), which may result in a loss of visual acuity and blindness. The diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of AK are still challenging. More than 90% of AK cases are related to the irresponsible wearing of contact lenses. However, even proper lens care does not sufficiently protect against this eye disease, as amoebae have been also found in contact lens solutions and contact lens storage containers. The adhesion of the amoebae to the contact lens surface is the first step in developing this eye infection. To limit the incidence of AK, it is important to enhance the anti-adhesive activity of the most popular contact lens solutions. Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as modern antimicrobial agents. Their effectiveness against Acanthamoeba spp., especially with the addition of plant metabolites, such as tannic acid, has been confirmed. Here, we present the results of our further studies on the anti-adhesion potential of tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles (AgTANPs) in combination with selected contact lens solutions against Acanthamoeba spp. on four groups of contact lenses. The obtained results showed an increased anti-adhesion activity of contact lens solutions in conjunction with AgTANPs with a limited cytotoxicity effect compared to contact lens solutions acting alone. This may provide a benefit in improving the prevention of amoebae eye infections. However, there is still a need for further studies on different pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba in order to assess the adhesion of the cysts to the contact lens surface and to reveal a more comprehensive picture of the activity of AgTANPs and contact lens solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Padzik
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lidia Chomicz
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Julita Bluszcz
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Karolina Maleszewska
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
| | - Jaroslaw Grobelny
- Department of Materials Technology and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, 163 Pomorska Street, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - David Bruce Conn
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; or
- One Health Center, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA
| | - Edyta B. Hendiger
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (L.C.); (J.B.); (K.M.); (E.B.H.)
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Kaufman AR, Tu EY. Advances in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis: A review of the literature and synthesized algorithmic approach. Ocul Surf 2022; 25:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Li G, Shekhawat N. Acanthamoeba epitheliopathy: Importance of early diagnosis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 26:101499. [PMID: 35402748 PMCID: PMC8987312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe two cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed and treated at the epithelial stage of disease and to underscore the importance of early diagnosis on prognosis. Observations Case 1 is a 28-year-old male who developed Acanthamoeba keratitis after prolonged contact lens wear. Case 2 is a 43-year-old male with poor contact lens hygiene who was initially misdiagnosed and treated for herpetic keratitis. Both cases presented with epitheliopathy and were successfully treated with corneal epithelial debridement and topical anti-amoebic therapy, with complete avoidance of deeper extension of infection and associated complications. Conclusion and importance Epithelial stage Acanthamoeba keratitis represents a critical window of opportunity to achieve rapid cure. Acanthamoeba epitheliopathy may be mistaken for other conditions such as herpetic keratitis, contact lens overwear, or dry eye. Given worsening prognosis following delayed diagnosis, it is important for clinicians to be suspicious of Acanthamoeba keratitis in all contact lens wearers who develop elevated epitheliopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nakul Shekhawat
- Corresponding author. MPH Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St. Woods 376, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, USA.
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Dos Santos DL, Virginio VG, Berté FK, Lorenzatto KR, Marinho DR, Kwitko S, Locatelli CI, Freitas EC, Rott MB. Clinical and molecular diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in contact lens wearers in southern Brazil reveals the presence of an endosymbiont. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1447-1454. [PMID: 35194678 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an infection that is mostly observed in contact lens wearers. It is often misdiagnosed causing delays in the administration of the correct treatment. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of clinical and molecular diagnosis of AK cases during the summer of 2019 in the southern region of Brazil. Three suspected cases of AK were discovered after an ophthalmic examination at a public hospital in the city of Porto Alegre. These cases were then confirmed through laboratory diagnosis (cell culture and molecular analysis by PCR and sequencing). In each of the three clinical sample cell cultures of corneal scraping and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp., all belonging to the morphological group II and to the genotype T4, which is the most common genotype associated with AK. In addition, Acanthamoeba spp. isolated from one of the clinical samples was found to harbor the Candidatus Paracaedibacter acanthamoeba, a bacterial endosymbiont. The presence of Ca. Paracaedibacter acanthamoeba in clinical isolates requires further research to reveal its possible role in the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Leal Dos Santos
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Parasitology Sector, Rio Grande Do Sul Federal University, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Veridiana Gomes Virginio
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Parasitology Sector, Rio Grande Do Sul Federal University, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Francisco Kercher Berté
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Parasitology Sector, Rio Grande Do Sul Federal University, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Karina Rodrigues Lorenzatto
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Parasitology Sector, Rio Grande Do Sul Federal University, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Diane Ruschel Marinho
- Cornea Department, Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2350, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Sergio Kwitko
- Cornea Department, Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2350, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Claudete Inês Locatelli
- Cornea Department, Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2350, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Correa Freitas
- Cornea Department, Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, N 2350, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Parasitology Sector, Rio Grande Do Sul Federal University, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Walters R, Campolo A, Miller E, McAnally C, Gabriel M, Shannon P, Crary M. Differential Antimicrobial Efficacy of Preservative-Free Contact Lens Disinfection Systems against Common Ocular Pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0213821. [PMID: 35138157 PMCID: PMC8826922 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02138-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a devastating disease that can cause eye damage and blindness and can be the result of infections by several common ocular pathogens. Importantly, some of these pathogens, such as Acanthamoeba, are particularly unsusceptible to biocides in common contact lens care solutions. Therefore, the disinfection efficacy of preservative-free (PF) disinfection systems against bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts should be assessed as products with the most potential to be efficacious against resistant organisms. PF disinfection systems were analyzed for antimicrobial efficacy. These were the one-step (hydrogen peroxide-based) Clear Care and Clear Care Plus systems and the two-step (povidone-iodine-based) Cleadew system. Stand-alone challenges using bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba were prepared according to the International Standards Organization method 14729. These same challenges were also conducted in the presence of the following contact lenses: Boston RGP, Acuvue Oasys, Biofinity, Ultra, and 2-week PremiO. All challenges were performed at the manufacturer's recommended disinfection time. All preservative-free disinfection systems demonstrated similarly high rates of antimicrobial efficacy when challenged with bacteria or fungi, with or without lenses. However, both Clear Care and Clear Care Plus demonstrated significantly greater disinfection efficacy against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, with and without lenses (P < 0.05). Cleadew efficacy was impacted by the addition of contact lenses, whereas Clear Care/Clear Care Plus maintained similar efficacies in the absence or presence of lenses. While both hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine are highly effective against bacteria and fungi, hydrogen peroxide maintains significantly greater disinfection capabilities than povidone-iodine against all forms of Acanthamoeba. IMPORTANCE Understanding the most efficacious products will allow clinicians to best communicate to patients and consumers the safest products on the market to reduce adverse events, including microbial keratitis, during contact lens use.
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Kim MJ, Chu KB, Lee HA, Quan FS, Kong HH, Moon EK. Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. using carboxylesterase antibody and its usage for diagnosing Acanthamoeba-keratitis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262223. [PMID: 34986189 PMCID: PMC8730387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact lens usage has contributed to increased incidence rates of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a serious corneal infection that can lead to blindness. Since symptoms associated with AK closely resemble those incurred by bacterial or fungal keratitis, developing a diagnostic method enabling rapid detection with a high degree of Acanthamoeba-specificity would be beneficial. Here, we produced a polyclonal antibody targeting the carboxylesterase (CE) superfamily protein secreted by the pathogenic Acanthamoeba and evaluated its diagnostic potential. Western blot analysis revealed that the CE antibody specifically interacts with the cell lysates and conditioned media of pathogenic Acanthamoeba, which were not observed from the cell lysates and conditioned media of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, Fusarium solani, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. High titers of A. castellanii-specific antibody production were confirmed sera of immunized mice via ELISA, and these antibodies were capable of detecting A. castellanii from the cell lysates and their conditioned media. The specificity of the CE antibody was further confirmed on A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts co-cultured with HCE cells, F. solani, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa using immunocytochemistry. Additionally, the CE antibody produced in this study successfully interacted with 7 different Acanthamoeba species. Our findings demonstrate that the polyclonal CE antibody specifically detects multiple species belong to the genus Acanthamoeba, thus highlighting its potential as AK diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ahm Lee
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Kong
- Department of Parasitology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Novel Plant-Based Metabolites as Disinfectants against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020248. [PMID: 35203850 PMCID: PMC8868186 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to global warming, coupled with global water shortages and the reliance of the public on household water tanks, especially in developing countries, it is anticipated that infections caused by free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba will rise. Thus, the development of novel disinfectant(s) which can target pathogenic free-living amoebae effectively is warranted. Herein, we extracted and isolated several plant-based secondary metabolites as novel disinfectants for use against pathogenic Acanthamoeba. The identity of the compounds was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and tested for antiamoebic activities against clinical isolate of A. castellanii, belonging to the T4 genotype. Amoebicidal assays revealed that the compounds tested showed antiamoebic properties. Betulinic acid and betulin exhibited parasite killing of more than 65%. When tested against the cyst stage, betulinic acid, betulin, and vanillic acid inhibited both encystation and excystation processes. Furthermore, the plant-based metabolites significantly inhibited the binding capability of A. castellanii to host cells. Finally, most of the tested compounds displayed minimal cytotoxic activities against human cells and noticeably perturbed amoeba-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Notably, both alkaloid and betulinic acid showed 20% cytotoxic effects, whereas betulin and lupeol had cytotoxic effects of 24% and 30%, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that plant-based natural compounds demonstrate anti-Acanthamoebic properties, and they have potential candidates for water disinfectants or contact lens disinfecting solutions, as well as possible therapeutic drugs against Acanthamoeba infections.
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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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Akbar N, Siddiqui R, Khamis M, Ibrahim T, Khan NA. Cationic Surfactant-Natural Clay Complex as a Novel Agent Against Acanthamoeba castellanii Belonging to the T4 Genotype. Eye Contact Lens 2021; 47:592-597. [PMID: 34173368 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is a protozoan pathogen that is widely distributed in the environment. Given the opportunity, it can cause a serious eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis as well as a fatal brain infection known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Inappropriate use of contact lenses can contribute to contracting Acanthamoeba keratitis, and contact lens disinfectants are not always effective in eradicating Acanthamoeba. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel antimicrobial agents with efficient antiamoebic properties. OBJECTIVE In this study, we tested octadecyltrimethylammonium (ODTMA)-clay (montmorillonite) complex as a novel antiamoebic agent. METHODS Using A. castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype of keratitis origin, amobicidal assays were performed to determine the effects of ODTMA-cay complex on the viability of parasites at various concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μg. Adhesion and cytopathogenicity assays were performed to investigate ODTMA effects on A. castellanii-mediated binding and damage to human cells. Encystation and excystation assays were conducted to establish ODTMA-mediated inhibitory effects against the cyst stage of A. castellanii. RESULTS Using cell survival assays, the results revealed that ODTMA-clay complex exhibited amobicidal activity against keratitis-causing A. castellanii in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of A. castellanii with ODTMA-clay complex inhibited parasite adhesion to as well as parasite-mediated human cell damage. Using encystation and excystation assays, it was revealed that ODTMA-clay complex inhibited A. castellanii cysts at 100 μg (P<0.05). CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, it was shown that ODTMA-clay complex exhibited anti-Acanthamoebic activities. The possibility of adding ODTMA-clay in a contact lens cleaning solution to formulate effective disinfectants is discussed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Akbar
- College of Arts and Sciences (N.A., R.S., M.K.); College of Engineering (T.I.), American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; and Department of Clinical Sciences (N.A.K.), College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, Unites Arab Emirates
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Opioid Prescribing Patterns for Ulcerative Keratitis. Cornea 2021; 41:484-490. [PMID: 34620771 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to characterize rates of opioid prescription for different ulcerative keratitis types. METHODS This cohort study included patients diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis according to the University of Michigan electronic health record data between September 1, 2014 and December 22, 2020. Ulcerative keratitis was categorized by etiologic type (bacterial, fungal, viral, acanthamoeba, inflammatory, polymicrobial, or unspecified) using rule-based data classification that accounted for billing diagnosis code, antimicrobial or antiinflammatory medications prescribed, laboratory results, and manual chart review. Opioid prescriptions were converted to morphine milligram equivalent and summed over 90 days from diagnosis. Opioid prescription rate and amount were compared between ulcerative keratitis types. RESULTS Of 3322 patients with ulcerative keratitis, 173 (5.2%) were prescribed at least 1 opioid for pain management within 90 days of diagnosis. More patients with acanthamoeba (32.4%), fungal (21.1%), and polymicrobial (25.0%) keratitis were treated with opioids compared with bacterial (6.7%), unspecified (2.9%), or viral (1.8%) keratitis (all Bonferroni adjusted P < 0.05). For the 173 patients who were prescribed opioids, a total of 353 prescriptions were given within 90 days of diagnosis, with half given within the first week after diagnosis. The quantity of opioid prescribed within 90 days from diagnosis was not significantly different between ulcerative keratitis types (P = 0.6559). Morphine milligram equivalent units prescribed ranged from 97.5 for acanthamoeba keratitis to 112.5 for fungal keratitis. CONCLUSIONS The type of ulcerative keratitis may influence the opioid prescription rate. Providers can better serve patients needing opioids for pain management through improved characterization of pain and development of more tailored pain management regimens.
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