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Sharma C, Khurana S, Bhatia A, Arora A, Gupta A. The gene expression and proteomic profiling of Acanthamoeba isolates. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108630. [PMID: 37820893 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The free-living protozoan Acanthamoeba can cause severe keratitis known as Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba includes intricate interactions between the organism and the host's immune system. The downstream analysis of a well-annotated genome assembly along with proteomic analysis can unravel several biological processes and aid in the identification of potential genes involved in pathogenicity. METHODS Based on the next-generation sequencing data analysis, genes including lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein were selected as probable pathogenic targets that were validated by conventional PCR in a total of 30 Acanthamoeba isolates. This was followed by real-time PCR for the evaluation of relative gene expression in the keratitis and amoebic encephalitis animal model induced using keratitis (CHA5), encephalitis (CHA24) and non-pathogenic environmental isolate (CHA36). In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed for keratitis, encephalitis, and non-pathogenic environmental isolate before and after treatment with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). RESULTS The conventional PCR demonstrated the successful amplification of lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein genes in clinical and environmental isolates. The expression analysis revealed phospholipase, lysophospholipase, and mannose-binding genes to be significantly upregulated in the keratitis isolate (CHA 5) during AK in the animal model. In the case of the amoebic encephalitis model, phospholipase, lysophospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, and carboxylesterase were significantly upregulated in the encephalitis isolate compared to the keratitis isolate. The proteomic data revealed differential protein expression in pathogenic versus non-pathogenic isolates in the pre and post-treatment with PHMB. CONCLUSION The gene expression data suggests that lysophospholipase, phospholipase, S8/S53 peptidase, carboxylesterase, and mannose-binding protein (MBP) could play a role in the contact-dependent and independent mechanisms of Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. In addition, the proteomic profiling of the 3 isolates revealed differential protein expression crucial for parasite growth, survival, and virulence. Our results provide baseline data for selecting possible pathogenic targets that could be utilized for designing knockout experiments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayan Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Amit Arora
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Amit Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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In Vitro Cytopathogenic Activities of Acanthamoeba T3 and T4 Genotypes on HeLa Cell Monolayer. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121474. [PMID: 36558808 PMCID: PMC9782662 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121474] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebic keratitis and encephalitis are mainly caused by free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba, which consists of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species. The global distribution, amphizoic properties and the severity of the disease caused by Acanthamoeba species have inspired the scientific community to put more effort into the isolation of Acanthamoeba, besides exploring the direct and indirect parameters that could signify a pathogenic potential. Therefore, this study was performed to characterize the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolated from contact lens paraphernalia and water sources in Malaysia. Various methodologies were utilized to analyze the thermotolerance and osmotolerance, the secretion level of proteases and the cytopathic effect of trophozoites on the cell monolayer. In addition, the in vitro cytopathogenicity of these isolates was assessed using the LDH-release assay. A total of 14 Acanthamoeba isolates were classified as thermo- and osmotolerant and had presence of serine proteases with a molecular weight of 45-230 kDa. Four T4 genotypes isolated from contact lens paraphernalia recorded the presence of serine-type proteases of 107 kDa and 133 kDa. In contrast, all T3 genotypes isolated from environmental samples showed the presence of a 56 kDa proteolytic enzyme. Remarkably, eight T4 and a single T3 genotype isolates demonstrated a high adhesion percentage of greater than 90%. Moreover, the use of the HeLa cell monolayer showed that four T4 isolates and one T3 isolate achieved a cytopathic effect in the range of 44.9-59.4%, indicating an intermediate-to-high cytotoxicity level. Apart from that, the LDH-release assay revealed that three T4 isolates (CL5, CL54 and CL149) and one T3 isolate (SKA5-SK35) measured an exceptional toxicity level of higher than 40% compared to other isolates. In short, the presence of Acanthamoeba T3 and T4 genotypes with significant pathogenic potential in this study reiterates the essential need to reassess the functionality of other genotypes that were previously classified as nonpathogenic isolates in past research.
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Taghipour T, Rasti S, Saba M, Delavari M, Moosavi GA, Hooshyar H, Eslamirad Z. Molecular detection and genotype identification of Acanthamoeba species from bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with pulmonary symptoms suspected of cancer. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1028-1035. [PMID: 36457768 PMCID: PMC9606164 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01524-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are the most common free-living amoeba worldwide, inducing life-threatening diseases such as Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis, pulmonary infection, and amoebic keratitis. This study aimed to identify the FLA and Acanthamoeba genotypes in patients with pulmonary symptoms suspected of cancer in Kashan's hospitals, Kashan, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 97 bronchoalveolar lavage samples of patients with respiratory symptoms suspected of lung cancer, who were admitted to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan from 2019 to 2020. The samples were cultured onto 1.5% non-nutrient agar enriched with killed Escherichia coli and examined for the presence of FLA. Following amoeba isolation and DNA extraction, Acanthamoeba spp. were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction using JDP1 and JDP2 primers, which amplified a 490 bp fragment from the 18 S rDNA gene. Eighteen Acanthamoeba isolates were sequenced, and the genotypes were identified. The prevalence of FLA and Acanthamoeba and the relationship between symptoms and demographic variables were analyzed with SPSS Software version 16. The prevalence rates of FLA and Acanthamoeba in the BAL samples was 86.6% and 73.2%, respectively. All Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to the T4 genotype. The most symptoms among Acanthamoeba-positive patients were dyspnea and cough; however, their difference was not statistically significant. The findings indicated the high prevalence of FLA and Acanthamoeba in BAL in the population suspected of cancer in Kashan. Since the T4 genotype is a pathogenic genotype of Acanthamoeba, training health and improving sanitation levels would help to prevent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sima Rasti
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Saba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Delavari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Gholam Abbas Moosavi
- Department of Statistics and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Hooshyar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Eslamirad
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Saberi R, Nakhaei M, Fakhar M, Zarrinfar H, Sharifpour A, Hezarjaribi HZ. Molecular identification and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3013-3017. [PMID: 35930044 PMCID: PMC9362591 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp., in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of immunocompetent patients with chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). In this study, 211 BALF samples were collected from patients with CRD during the COVID-19 pandemic who were candidates for fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran and investigated for Acanthamoeba spp., by PCR. A total of 211 FBAL samples were examined; 5 (5/211; 2.36%) were positive by using the PCR test for Acanthamoeba spp. According to sequence analysis, three strains belonged to the T4 genotype and one strain to the T2 genotype. Our data demonstrate that the presence of Acanthamoeba (T4 and T2) in BALF specimens of patients with respiratory infections. However, it is important to note that these findings may be merely accidental. Our findings suggest further investigation to fully understand the role of Acanthamoeba spp. in the pathogenesis of lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nakhaei
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran.
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Sharifpour
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran.,Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis (INRCL), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 48471-91971, Sari, Iran
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Aykur M, Dirim Erdogan D, Selvi Gunel N, Guler A, Biray Avci C, Celebisoy N, Gunduz C, Dagci H. Genotyping and Molecular Identification of Acanthamoeba Genotype T4 and Naegleria fowleri from Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples of Patients in Turkey: Is it the Pathogens of Unknown Causes of Death? Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1372-1383. [PMID: 35864411 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed to investigate the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in suspected cases of meningoencephalitis with unknown causes of death in Turkey. METHOD A total of 92 patients, who were diagnosed as meningoencephalitis, were enrolled. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were directly microscopically examined and cultured. Acanthamoeba, N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris were further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including real-time PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS The examined CSF samples were not found positive for the presence of FLA by microscopic examination and culture method. However, two CSF samples were detected positive by real-time PCR assay. Of the positive CSF samples, one was identified as Acanthamoeba genotype T4 and the second positive sample was identified as N. fowleri belonging to genotype II. Furthermore, the pathogens diagnoses was verified through Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSION This study was significant to report the presence of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 and N. fowleri genotype II in CSF samples by real-time PCR assay. The present study shows the significance of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) as one of the differential diagnoses to be considered by clinicians during the evaluation of suspected meningoencephalitis or cases of unknown cause in Turkey. Using real-time PCR, this has made the rapid detection, in a short time-frame, of Acanthamoeba and N. fowleri in CSF samples from patients. The problems with qPCR is that it is not available in every laboratory, reagents are expensive, and it requires skilled and expert personnel to set up these assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, PO Box 60030, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Derya Dirim Erdogan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nur Selvi Gunel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Guler
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cigir Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nese Celebisoy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
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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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Sangkanu S, Mitsuwan W, Mahabusarakam W, Jimoh TO, Wilairatana P, Girol AP, Verma AK, de Lourdes Pereira M, Rahmatullah M, Wiart C, Siyadatpanah A, Norouzi R, Mutombo PN, Nissapatorn V. Anti-Acanthamoeba synergistic effect of chlorhexidine and Garcinia mangostana extract or α-mangostin against Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoite and cyst forms. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8053. [PMID: 33850179 PMCID: PMC8044166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. can cause amoebic keratitis (AK). Chlorhexidine is effective for AK treatment as monotherapy, but with a relative failure on drug bioavailability in the deep corneal stroma. The combination of chlorhexidine and propamidine isethionate is recommended in the current AK treatment. However, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the parasite and virulence strains. This study aims to determine the potential of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract and α-mangostin against Acanthamoeba triangularis, as well as the combination with chlorhexidine in the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and α-mangostin were assessed in trophozoites with 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL, for cysts with 4 and 1 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC of the extract and α-mangostin inhibited the growth of A. triangularis trophozoites and cysts for up to 72 h. The extract and α-mangostin combined with chlorhexidine demonstrated good synergism, resulting in a reduction of 1/4-1/16 of the MIC. The SEM results showed that Acanthamoeba cells treated with a single drug and its combination caused damage to the cell membrane and irregular cell shapes. A good combination displayed by the extract or α-mangostin and chlorhexidine, described for the first time. Therefore, this approach is promising as an alternative method for the management of Acanthamoeba infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College and Research Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Wilawan Mahabusarakam
- Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Tajudeen O Jimoh
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ana Paula Girol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ajoy K Verma
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases (NITRD), New Delhi, India
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials &, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative Lalmatia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Polydor Ngoy Mutombo
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
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Kot K, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N, Kosik-Bogacka D. Immunopathogenicity of Acanthamoeba spp. in the Brain and Lungs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1261. [PMID: 33514026 PMCID: PMC7865479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebas, including Acanthamoeba spp., are widely distributed in soil, water, and air. They are capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba pneumonia, Acanthamoeba keratitis, and disseminated acanthamoebiasis. Despite low occurrence worldwide, the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba spp. infections is very high, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. Acanthamoeba infections are a medical problem, owing to limited improvement in diagnostics and treatment, which is associated with incomplete knowledge of pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and the host immune response against Acanthamoeba spp. infection. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Acanthamoeba spp.-host interactions, including the expression of Toll-like receptors, mechanisms of an immune response, the activity of metalloproteinases, the secretion of antioxidant enzymes, and the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases. We show the relationship between Acanthamoeba spp. and the host at the cellular level and host defense reactions that lead to changes in the selected host's organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (N.Ł.-A.)
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (N.Ł.-A.)
| | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Heredero-Bermejo I, Martín-Pérez T, Copa-Patiño JL, Gómez R, de la Mata FJ, Soliveri J, Pérez-Serrano J. Ultrastructural Study of Acanthamoeba polyphaga Trophozoites and Cysts Treated In Vitro with Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060565. [PMID: 32570829 PMCID: PMC7356815 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic carbosilane dendrimers are branched molecules with antimicrobial properties. Their activity has been tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe ocular disease in humans. A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different noncytotoxic cationic carbosilane dendrimers with proven antiamoebic activity. The effects of treatment on cell surface and cell ultrastructure were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Two of the dendrimers tested induced dramatic alterations of cellular ultrastructure in both trophozoites and cysts, including vacuolization, depletion of cytoplasmic contents, and reduced cell size. Additionally, we observed severe alterations of the plasma membrane with membrane blebbing in trophozoites and disruption in cysts. These alterations were also observed with chlorhexidine, a drug used for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our results support that these compounds may target membranes, and their action is critical for parasite integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Heredero-Bermejo
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Martín-Pérez
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - José Luis Copa-Patiño
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Research Institute on Chemistry “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.); (F.J.d.l.M.)
- Institute “Ramón y Cajal” for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier de la Mata
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Research Institute on Chemistry “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.); (F.J.d.l.M.)
- Institute “Ramón y Cajal” for Health Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Soliveri
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
| | - Jorge Pérez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (T.M.-P.); (J.L.C.-P.); (J.S.); (J.P.-S.)
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Anwar A, Soomaroo A, Anwar A, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Metformin-coated silver nanoparticles exhibit anti-acanthamoebic activities against both trophozoite and cyst stages. Exp Parasitol 2020; 215:107915. [PMID: 32461112 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is an opportunistic protozoan responsible for serious human infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, infections due to Acanthamoeba are a major public concern. Current methods of treatment are not fully effective against both the trophozoite and cyst forms of A. castellanii and are often associated with severe adverse effects, host cell cytotoxicity and recurrence of infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches for the treatment and management of Acanthamoebic infections. Repurposing of clinically approved drugs is a viable avenue for exploration and is particularly useful for neglected and rare diseases where there is limited interest by pharmaceutical companies. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems offer promising approaches in the biomedical field, particularly in diagnosis and drug delivery. Herein, we conjugated an antihyperglycemic drug, metformin with silver nanoparticles and assessed its anti-acanthamoebic properties. Characterization by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy showed successful formation of metformin-coated silver nanoparticles. Amoebicidal and amoebistatic assays revealed that metformin-coated silver nanoparticles reduced the viability and inhibited the growth of A. castellanii significantly more than metformin and silver nanoparticles alone at both 5 and 10 μM after 24 h incubation. Metformin-coated silver nanoparticles also blocked encystation and inhibited the excystation in Acanthamoeba after 72 h incubation. Overall, the conjugation of metformin with silver nanoparticles was found to enhance its antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii. Furthermore, the pretreatment of A. castellanii with metformin and metformin-coated silver nanoparticles for 2 h also reduced the amoebae-mediated host cell cytotoxicity after 24 h incubation from 73% to 10% at 10 μM, indicating that the drug-conjugated silver nanoparticles confer protection to human cells. These findings suggest that metformin-coated silver nanoparticles hold promise in the improved treatment and management of Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Akshinee Soomaroo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Areeba Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
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Koyun İ, Kolören Z, Karaman Ü, Tsiami A, Karanis P. Acanthamoeba spp. in river water samples from the Black Sea region, Turkey. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:186-199. [PMID: 32300091 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the occurrence of free living amoeba (FLA) in water resources (rivers and tap water) in Samsun in the Black Sea. The presence of Acanthamoeba spp. was confirmed in 98 of 192 water samples collected from 32 sites of Samsun province (Samsun centre, Terme, Carsamba, Tekkekoy, Bafra) by PCR. Acanthamoeba spp. were found in 15/36 river samples from Samsun, in 58/90 from Terme, in 12/30 from Carsamba, in 7/18 from Tekkekoy and in 6/18 from Bafra. No Acanthamoeba species were detected in tap water samples. The highest rate in river waters contaminated with Acanthamoeba species was in Terme followed by Samsun centre (41.7%), Carsamba (40%), Tekkekoy (38.9%) and Bafra districts (33.3%), respectively. The result of the subsequent sequence analysis showed Haplotype I (A. triangularis) in 5%, Haplotype II (A. polyphaga) in 29.6%, Haplotype III (Acanthamoeba spp.) in 62% and Haplotype IV (A. lenticulata) in 3%. The most common genotype was Acanthamoeba T4 (Acanthamoeba spp., A. polyphaga, A. triangularis) and T5 genotype was also found in 3%. The T4 genotype is the most common genotype associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) worldwide; therefore, humans and animals living in the area are at risk after contact with such waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Koyun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Zeynep Kolören
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Ülkü Karaman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Amalia Tsiami
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, London, UK
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Retana Moreira L, Vargas Ramírez D, Linares F, Prescilla Ledezma A, Vaglio Garro A, Osuna A, Lorenzo Morales J, Abrahams Sandí E. Isolation of Acanthamoeba T5 from Water: Characterization of Its Pathogenic Potential, Including the Production of Extracellular Vesicles. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020144. [PMID: 32098034 PMCID: PMC7168589 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae widely distributed in nature, associated with the development of encephalitis and keratitis. Despite the fact that it is common to find genotype T5 in environmental samples, only a few cases have been associated with clinical cases in humans. The wide distribution of Acanthamoeba, the characteristic of being amphizoic and the severity of the disease motivate researchers to focus on the isolation of these organisms, but also in demonstrating direct and indirect factors that could indicate a possible pathogenic potential. Here, we performed the characterization of the pathogenic potential of an Acanthamoeba T5 isolate collected from a water source in a hospital. Osmo- and thermotolerance, the secretion of proteases and the effect of trophozoites over cell monolayers were analyzed by different methodologies. Additionally, we confirm the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of this isolate incubated at two different temperatures, and the presence of serine and cysteine proteases in these vesicles. Finally, using atomic force microscopy, we determined some nanomechanical properties of the secreted vesicles and found a higher value of adhesion in the EVs obtained at 37 °C, which could have implications in the parasite´s survival and damaging potential in two different biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissette Retana Moreira
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
- Correspondence: (L.R.M.); (E.A.S.)
| | - Daniel Vargas Ramírez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
| | - Fátima Linares
- Centro de Instrumentación Científica (CIC), Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain;
| | - Alexa Prescilla Ledezma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Instituto de Biotecnología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain; (A.P.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Annette Vaglio Garro
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Departamento de Parasitología, Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Instituto de Biotecnología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18071, Spain; (A.P.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Jacob Lorenzo Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain;
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias 38203, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Abrahams Sandí
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Montes de Oca 2060, Costa Rica;
- Correspondence: (L.R.M.); (E.A.S.)
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13
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Saberi R, Najafi A, Naserifar R. Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. from dust phenomenon in Ilam Province, West Iran. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2019; 66:459-468. [PMID: 30835134 DOI: 10.1556/030.66.2019.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing dust phenomenon in the west of Iran has led to social, economic, and health concerns. This study aimed to represent the existence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. in dust phenomenon in Ilam Province, Iran. In this study, 55 dust samples were collected and by targeting the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene, the genotypes were determined. Utilizing the tolerance ability test, the pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was also recognized. Eighteen samples of Acanthamoeba (32.7%) were detected in the sampling areas. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates related to T4 (77.7%) and T2 (22.3%) genotypes were reported. It was revealed by thermo- and osmotolerance tests in which six strains are extremely pathogenic. To our knowledge, the pathogenic Acanthamoeba was potentially isolated initially from dust phenomenon in Ilam Province. Thus, these strains are probably highly virulent, and dusts are possible sources of Acanthamoeba infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- 1 Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- 2 Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Azar Najafi
- 3 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- 4 Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Razi Naserifar
- 3 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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14
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Lee DC, Fiester SE, Madeline LA, Fulcher JW, Ward ME, Schammel CMG, Hakimi RK. Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris leading to fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 16:171-176. [PMID: 31773473 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris are free-living amebae known to cause disseminated and fatal central nervous system dysfunction which manifests as granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) with exceedingly rare frequency. We report two lethal cases of infection with free-living amebae: an acute case of Acanthamoeba spp. infection in an immunocompromised female and a subacute case of B. mandrillaris in a Hispanic male. The Acanthamoeba spp. infection presented with an atypical lesion in the thalamus that caused rapid deterioration of the patient while the case of B. mandrillaris had a prolonged clinical course with multifocal lesions beginning in the frontal lobe. Cerebrospinal fluid results were non-specific in both cases, however, post-mortem histology demonstrated the presence of trophozoites along a perivascular distribution of necrosis and infiltrate composed primarily of neutrophils. In addition to detailing the clinical presentations of these infrequent amebic infections, we offer insight into the difficulties surrounding their diagnoses in order to aid the clinician in accurate and timely identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Steven E Fiester
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| | - Lee A Madeline
- Department of Radiology, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - James W Fulcher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Department of Pathology, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Office of the Medical Examiner, Greenville County, SC, USA.,Pathology Associates of Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Michael E Ward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Department of Pathology, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Office of the Medical Examiner, Greenville County, SC, USA.,Pathology Associates of Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Christine Marie-Gilligan Schammel
- Department of Pathology, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Pathology Associates of Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Ryan K Hakimi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.,Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, Prisma Health - Upstate, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
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15
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Kalra SK, Sharma P, Shyam K, Tejan N, Ghoshal U. Acanthamoeba and its pathogenic role in granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Exp Parasitol 2019; 208:107788. [PMID: 31647916 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba that is widely distributed in the environment. It is an opportunist protist, which is known to cause rare yet fatal infection of the central nervous system (CNS), granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in humans. GAE cases are increasingly been reported among immunocompromised patients, with few cases in immunocompetent hosts. Diagnosis of GAE primarily includes neuroimaging, microscopy, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, histopathology, serology and molecular techniques. Early diagnosis is vital for proper management of infected patients. Combination therapeutic approach has been tried in various GAE cases reported worldwide. We tried to present a comprehensive review, which summarizes on the epidemiology of GAE caused by Acanthamoeba along with the associated clinical symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of GAE among infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali K Kalra
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India.
| | - Palvi Sharma
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India
| | - Kirti Shyam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Distt. Solan, 173229, HP, India
| | - Nidhi Tejan
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, 226014, UP, India
| | - Ujjala Ghoshal
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareili Road, Lucknow, 226014, UP, India
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16
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Quantitative proteomic analysis and functional characterization of Acanthamoeba castellanii exosome-like vesicles. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:467. [PMID: 31597577 PMCID: PMC6784334 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogenic protozoans use extracellular vesicles (EVs) for intercellular communication and host manipulation. Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protozoan that may cause severe keratitis and fatal granulomatous encephalitis. Although several secreted molecules have been shown to play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba, the functions and components of parasite-derived EVs are far from understood. Methods Purified EVs from A. castellanii were confirmed by electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The functional roles of parasite-derived EVs in the cytotoxicity to and immune response of host cells were examined. The protein composition in EVs from A. castellanii was identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Results EVs from A. castellanii fused with rat glioma C6 cells. The parasite-derived EVs induced an immune response from human THP-1 cells and a cytotoxic effect in C6 cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified a total of 130 proteins in EVs. Among the identified proteins, hydrolases (50.2%) and oxidoreductases (31.7%) were the largest protein families in EVs. Furthermore, aminopeptidase activities were confirmed in EVs from A. castellanii. Conclusions The proteomic profiling and functional characterization of EVs from A. castellanii provide an in-depth understanding of the molecules packaged into EVs and their potential mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of this parasite.
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17
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Megha K, Sehgal R, Khurana S. Genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. isolated from patients with granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Indian J Med Res 2019; 148:456-459. [PMID: 30666010 PMCID: PMC6362713 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1564_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Megha
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
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18
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Kaya Y, Baldemir A, Karaman Ü, Ildız N, Arıcı YK, Kaçmaz G, Kolören Z, Konca Y. Amebicidal effects of fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum) against Acanthamoeba cysts. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:563-571. [PMID: 30847135 PMCID: PMC6392877 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TF) is known to the public as a chest emollient, mucous expectorant, laxative and is used to prevent maturation of boils and diabetes since ancient times. In this study, we aimed to determine the amebicidal effects against Acanthamoeba cysts. Plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml and were placed in a hemocytometer with cell counts 22 × 106 cell/ml. The fatty acid profiles of TF seeds were determined. Standard Acanthamoeba cysts were added and incubated at 25°C. The viability of the parasite was checked and recorded at hours 3, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 102. The values of lethal concentration doses (LD50 and LD90) were calculated using probit analysis. This study revealed that T. foenum-graecum prevented proliferation of the parasite at certain times. However, further for in vivo and controlled experimental studies are needed in order to find out how to use this plant as medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Kaya
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Internal MedicineOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Ayşe Baldemir
- Faculty of PharmacyDepartment of Pharmaceutical BotanyErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
| | - Ülkü Karaman
- Faculty of MedicineMedical Parasitology DepartmentOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Nilay Ildız
- Faculty of PharmacyDepartment of Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
| | - Yeliz Kasko Arıcı
- Faculty of MedicineBiostatistics DepartmentOrdu UniversityOrduTurkey
| | - Gamze Kaçmaz
- Faculty of MedicineMedical Microbiology DepartmentGiresun UniversityGiresunTurkey
| | - Zeynep Kolören
- Department of BiologyOrdu University Faculty of Arts and SciencesOrduTurkey
| | - Yusuf Konca
- Faculty of AgricultureDepartment of Feed and Animal FeedingErciyes UniversityKayseriTurkey
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19
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Anwar A, Rajendran K, Siddiqui R, Raza Shah M, Khan NA. Clinically Approved Drugs against CNS Diseases as Potential Therapeutic Agents To Target Brain-Eating Amoebae. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:658-666. [PMID: 30346711 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba species and Naegleria fowleri are rare but fatal. A major challenge in the treatment against the infections caused by these amoebae is the discovery of novel compounds that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to penetrate the CNS. It is logical to test clinically approved drugs against CNS diseases for their potential antiamoebic effects since they are known for effective blood-brain barrier penetration and affect eukaryotic cell targets. The antiamoebic effects of clinically available drugs for seizures targeting gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor and ion channels were tested against Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype and N. fowleri. Three such drugs, namely, diazepam (Valium), phenobarbitone (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin), and their silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were evaluated against both trophozoites and cysts stage. Drugs alone and drug conjugated silver nanoparticles were tested for amoebicidal, cysticidal, and host-cell cytotoxicity assays. Nanoparticles were synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction of silver nitrate with drugs as capping agents. Drug conjugated nanoconjugates were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro moebicidal assay showed potent amoebicidal effects for diazepam, phenobarbitone, and phenytoin-conjugated AgNPs as compared to drugs alone against A. castellanii and N. fowleri. Furthermore, both drugs and drug conjugated AgNPs showed compelling cysticidal effects. Drugs conjugations with silver nanoparticles enhanced their antiacanthamoebic activity. Interestingly, amoeba-mediated host-cell cytotoxicity was also significantly reduced by drugs alone as well as their nanoconjugates. Since, these drugs are being used to target CNS diseases, their evaluation against brain-eating amoebae seems feasible due to advantages such as permeability of the blood-brain barrier, established pharmacokinetics and dynamics, and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Given the limited availability of effective drugs against brain-eating amoebae, the clinically available drugs tested here present potential for further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Kavitha Rajendran
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Raza Shah
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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20
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Amebic Encephalitis in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Ibrutinib Therapy. Case Rep Hematol 2018; 2018:6514604. [PMID: 30155323 PMCID: PMC6092972 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6514604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in Western countries. A common first-line therapy offered to qualifying patients includes ibrutinib, an oral covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. Treatment of CLL with ibrutinib therapy is generally well tolerated; however, serious opportunistic infections are being reported in patients treated with ibrutinib. In this report, we present a patient with CLL on ibrutinib therapy who developed rapidly declining neurological status concerning for the central nervous system (CNS) process related to his immunocompromised status. Despite multiple testing modalities, no evidence was found to explain the acute changes the patient was experiencing, and he had no improvement with common antimicrobial coverage. The patient ultimately expired, and autopsy of the brain revealed granulomatous amebic encephalitis due to opportunistic infection by Acanthamoeba species. As evidenced by this case, ibrutinib therapy, despite being generally well tolerated, has the potential to predispose patients to opportunistic infections like amebic encephalitis. Amebic encephalitis is a highly lethal CNS infection, and it is important for clinicians to recognize early on the potential for infection in patients on ibrutinib therapy presenting with CNS symptoms.
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21
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Kang AY, Park AY, Shin HJ, Khan NA, Maciver SK, Jung SY. Production of a monoclonal antibody against a mannose-binding protein of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni and its localization. Exp Parasitol 2018; 192:19-24. [PMID: 30031120 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are facultative pathogens of humans and other animals. In humans they most frequently infect the eye causing a sight threatening infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), and also cause an often fatal encephalitis (GAE). A mannose-binding protein (MBP) has been identified as being important for Acanthamoeba infection especially in AK. This lectin has previously been characterized from Acanthamoeba castellanii as consisting of multiple 130 kDa subunits. MBP expression correlates with pathogenic potential and is expressed in a number of Acanthamoeba species. Here we report the purification of a similar lectin from Acanthamoeba culbertsoni and the production of a monoclonal antibody to it. The A. culbertsoni MBP was isolated by affinity chromatography using α-D-mannose agarose and has an apparent molecular weight of 83 kDa. The monoclonal antibody is an IgM that is useful in both western blots and immunofluorescence. We expect that this antibody will be useful in the study of the pathology of A. culbertsoni and in its identification in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Young Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute, Namseoul University, Cheonan 31020, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Young Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute, Namseoul University, Cheonan 31020, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, and Molecular Science & Technology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 443-721, Republic of Korea
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Suk-Yul Jung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute, Namseoul University, Cheonan 31020, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Basher MHA, Ithoi I, Mahmud R, Abdulsalam AM, Foead AI, Dawaki S, Atroosh WMM, Nissapatorn V, Abdullah WO. Occurrence of Acanthamoeba genotypes in Central West Malaysian environments. Acta Trop 2018; 178:219-228. [PMID: 29203378 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living protozoa that can be found worldwide. Occasionally, it can become parasitic and the causative agent of acanthamoebic keratitis (AK) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) in man. A total of 160 environmental samples and 225 naturally-infected animal corneal swabs were collected for Acanthamoeba cultivation. Acanthamoeba was found to be high in samples collected from environments (85%, 136/160) compared to infected animal corneas (24.89%, 56/225) by microscopic examination. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of 18S rRNA gene of all the 192 cultivable Acanthamoeba isolates revealed 4 genotypes (T3, T4. T5 and T15) with T4 as the most prevalent (69.27%, 133/192) followed by T5 (20.31%), T15 (9.90%) and T3 (0.52%). Genotype T4 was from the strain of A. castellanii U07401 (44.27%), A. castellanii U07409 (20.83%) and A. polyphagaAY026243 (4.17%), but interestingly, only A. castellanii U07401 was detected in naturally infected corneal samples. In environmental samples, T4 was commonly detected in all samples including dry soil, dust, wet debris, wet soil and water. Among the T4, A. castellanii (U07409) strains were detected high occurrence in dry (45%) followed by aquatic (32.50%) and moist (22.50%) samples but however A. castellanii (U07401) strains were dominant in dry samples of soil and dust (93.10%). Subsequently, genotype T5 of A. lenticulata (U94741) strains were dominant in samples collected from aquatic environments (58.97%). In summary, A. castellanii (U07401) strains were found dominant in both environmental and corneal swab samples. Therefore, these strains are possibly the most virulent and dry soil or dusts are the most possible source of Acanthamoeba infection in cats and dogs corneas.
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23
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Castro-Artavia E, Retana-Moreira L, Lorenzo-Morales J, Abrahams-Sandí E. Potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotype T4 isolated from dental units and emergency combination showers. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 112:817-821. [PMID: 29211242 PMCID: PMC5719550 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is the genus of free-living amoebae that is most frequently isolated in nature. To date, 20 Acanthamoeba genotypes have been described. Genotype T4 is responsible for approximately 90% of encephalitis and keratitis cases. Due to the ubiquitous presence of amoebae, isolation from environmental sources is not uncommon; to determine the clinical importance of an isolation, it is necessary to have evidence of the pathogenic potential of amoebae. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to physiologically characterise 8 Acanthamoeba T4 isolates obtained from dental units and emergency combination showers and to determine their pathogenic potential by employing different laboratory techniques. METHODS Eight axenic cultures of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 were used in pathogenic potential assays. Osmotolerance, thermotolerance, determination and characterisation of extracellular proteases and evaluation of cytopathic effects in MDCK cells were performed. FINDINGS All of the isolates were osmotolerant, thermotolerant and had serine proteases from 44-122 kDa. Two isolates had cytopathic effects on the MDCK cell monolayer. MAIN CONCLUSION The presence of Acanthamoeba T4 with pathogenic potential in areas such as those tested in this study reaffirms the need for adequate cleaning and maintenance protocols to reduce the possibility of infection with free-living amoebae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Castro-Artavia
- University of Costa Rica, Faculty of Microbiology, Department of Parasitology, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.,University of Costa Rica, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Lissette Retana-Moreira
- University of Costa Rica, Faculty of Microbiology, Department of Parasitology, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.,University of Costa Rica, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University of La Laguna, Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Abrahams-Sandí
- University of Costa Rica, Faculty of Microbiology, Department of Parasitology, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.,University of Costa Rica, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
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24
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Hsu TK, Chen JS, Hsu BM, Chen YP, Leu TH, Huang TY, Hsu YW, Wu SF. Application of modified JDP-DGGE-based molecular genotyping method to predict Acanthamoeba genotype and to analyse community diversity in aquatic environments. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:437-446. [PMID: 29248979 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are ubiquitous, opportunistic potential human pathogens, causing granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and keratitis. They are classified as protozoa, and they include at least 20 different genotypes (T1-T20) based on variation in the 18S rRNA gene. Acanthamoeba spp. are diverse in their production of toxins and in their ability to resist environmental factors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a rapid genotyping method for Acanthamoeba spp. in aquatic environments. Although the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method for analysing microbial genotypes is potentially useful for rapid identification of aquatic environmental species, the technique has been compromised by artificial DGGE profiles in which many DNA fragments of identical sequences are segregated and displayed as different bands. The results indicate that PCR-DGGE genotyping with a GC clamp results in many segregated weaker bands of identical DNA sequences. In contrast, PCR-DGGE genotyping without a GC clamp displays genotype-dependent patterns in the major bands. Thus, DGGE without a GC clamp was performed to compare genotyping efficiency for Acanthamoeba in 21 water samples from rivers and reservoirs in Taiwan. Among them, four samples were found to demonstrate a banding pattern with more than one major band, and these band profiles of major bands were identical to those of positive controls. DNA cloning further confirmed that the sequences of the major bands were identical. In conclusion, more than two genotypes of Acanthamoeba in the four samples were identified by this method, suggesting that PCR-DGGE genotyping without a GC clamp is a useful approach for studying the diversity of Acanthamoeba communities. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsui-Kang Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, 62102, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Sheng Chen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Pin Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hsueh Leu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Huang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, 62102, Taiwan.
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25
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Kuburich NA, Adhikari N, Hadwiger JA. Acanthamoeba and Dictyostelium Use Different Foraging Strategies. Protist 2016; 167:511-525. [PMID: 27693864 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Amoeba often use cell movement as a mechanism to find food, such as bacteria, in their environment. The chemotactic movement of the soil amoeba Dictyostelium to folate or other pterin compounds released by bacteria is a well-documented foraging mechanism. Acanthamoeba can also feed on bacteria but relatively little is known about the mechanism(s) by which this amoeba locates bacteria. Acanthamoeba movement in the presence of folate or bacteria was analyzed in above agar assays and compared to that observed for Dictyostelium. The overall mobility of Acanthamoeba was robust like that of Dictyostelium but Acanthamoeba did not display a chemotactic response to folate. In the presence of bacteria, Acanthamoeba only showed a marginal bias in directed movement whereas Dictyostelium displayed a strong chemotactic response. A comparison of genomes revealed that Acanthamoeba and Dictyostelium share some similarities in G protein signaling components but that specific G proteins used in Dictyostelium chemotactic responses were not present in current Acanthamoeba genome sequence data. The results of this study suggest that Acanthamoeba does not use chemotaxis as the primary mechanism to find bacterial food sources and that the chemotactic responses of Dictyostelium to bacteria may have co-evolved with chemotactic responses that facilitate multicellular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Kuburich
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 307 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, OK 74078-3020, USA
| | - Nirakar Adhikari
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 307 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, OK 74078-3020, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hadwiger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 307 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, OK 74078-3020, USA
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26
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Orosz E, Farkas Á, Kucsera I. Laboratory diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Hungary. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2016; 63:293-299. [PMID: 27576919 DOI: 10.1556/030.63.2016.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are free-living amebae that can be found in almost every range of environments. Within this genus, numerous species are recognized as human pathogens, potentially causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). AK is a corneal disease that is predominantly associated with contact lens use, the epidemiology of which is related to the specific genotype of Acanthamoeba. This study reports seven (7/16; 43.75%) positive cases. Detection of Acanthamoeba in corneal scrapings is based on cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with the molecular taxonomic identification method. By PCR, seven samples were positive; cultivation was successful for five samples, probably because of the low quantity of samples. Genotype identification was carried out with a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer PCR assay based on sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and sensitivity and specificity were evaluated in comparison with traditional parasitological techniques. All seven detected Acanthamoeba strains belonged to the T4 genotype, the main AK-related genotype worldwide. These results confirmed the importance of a complete diagnostic protocol, including a PCR assay, for the clinical diagnosis of AK from human samples. Genotyping allowed the identification of all isolates in the T4 group, thus demonstrating the prevalence of this genotype in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Orosz
- 1 Department of Parasitology, National Center for Epidemiology , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Farkas
- 2 Division of Virology, National Center for Epidemiology , Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Kucsera
- 1 Department of Parasitology, National Center for Epidemiology , Budapest, Hungary
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27
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Behera HS, Satpathy G, Tripathi M. Isolation and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. from Acanthamoeba meningitis/ meningoencephalitis (AME) patients in India. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:442. [PMID: 27507421 PMCID: PMC4977702 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living ubiquitous protozoans capable of causing Acanthamoeba meningitis/meningoencephalitis (AME) of the central nervous system in humans. Acanthamoeba spp. are divided into 20 different genotypes (T1–T20) on the basis of variation in nucleotide sequences of the 18S rRNA gene. The objective of this study was to identify the genotypes of Acanthamoeba spp. in patients of Acanthamoeba meningitis/meningoencephalitis (AME) using 18S rRNA gene-based PCR assay. The present study provides information regarding the involvement of the most prevalent and predominant genotype of Acanthamoeba spp. in Acanthamoeba meningitis/meningoencephalitis infections in India. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from 149 clinically suspected Acanthamoeba meningitis/meningoencephalitis (AME) patients reporting to the outpatient department/causality services of the Neurosciences Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India during the past five years. Samples were inoculated onto 2 % non-nutrient agar plates overlaid with E. coli and incubated at 30 °C for 14 days. Among 149 suspected patients, ten were found culture-positive for Acanthamoeba spp. out of which six isolates were established in axenic culture for molecular analysis. DNA was isolated and a PCR assay was performed for amplification of the Diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) (~280 bp) region of the 18S rRNA gene from axenic culture of six Acanthamoeba spp. isolates. Rns genotyping was performed on the basis of the variation in nucleotide sequences of DF3 region of the 18S rRNA gene. Results In the phylogenetic analysis, all of the six Acanthamoeba spp. isolates were found to belong to genotype T4. The sequence homology search for these six isolates in the NCBI databank showed homology with the available strains of Acanthamoeba spp. The newly generated sequences are available in the GenBank database under accession numbers KT004416–KT004421. Conclusions In the present study, genotype T4 was found as the most prevalent and predominant genotype in Acanthamoeba meningitis/ meningoencephalitis infections. Hence further studies are needed to develop optimal therapeutic strategy against Acanthamoeba spp. of genotype T4 to combat against the infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Sekhar Behera
- Ocular Microbiology, Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Gita Satpathy
- Ocular Microbiology, Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
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28
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Niyyati M, Dodangeh S, Lorenzo-Morales J. A Review of the Current Research Trends in the Application of Medicinal Plants as a Source for Novel Therapeutic Agents Against Acanthamoeba Infections. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2016; 15:893-900. [PMID: 28243287 PMCID: PMC5316269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threating infection of the cornea that mostly affects contact lens wearers. Until now, AK treatment remains very difficult due to the existence of a highly resistant cyst stage in the life cycle of Acanthamoeba which is extremely resistant to most of the available anti-amoebic compounds. Moreover, current treatment of AK is usually based in the combination of various therapeutic agents such as polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine and propamidine isethionate. However, all the mentioned compounds have also showed toxic side effects on human keratocytes and presented poor cysticidal effect at the concentrations currently used in the established AK treatments. Nowadays, the elucidation of novel compounds with antimicrobial and anticancer properties from plant and herbs with medicinal properties have encouraged researchers to evaluate plants as a source of new molecules with anti-trophozoite and cysticidal effects. Thus, in recent years, many natural products have been reported to present potent anti-Acanthamoeba properties with good selectivity and minimal toxic effects. Therefore, the chemical drugs currently used for AK treatment, their drawbacks as well as the current research in medicinal plants as a source of potent anti-Acanthamoeba compounds are described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. AstrofísicoFco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
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29
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Liu JH, Chang HY, Ji WT, Tzeng KJ, Huang SW, Huang YL. Seasonal distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species from drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:3766-3773. [PMID: 25263419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3651-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to detect the presence/absence of Acanthamoeba along with geographical variations, water quality variations and seasonal change of Acanthamoeba in Taiwan was investigated by 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR. Samples were collected quarterly at 19 drinking water reservoir sites from November 2012 to August 2013. Acanthamoeba was detected in 39.5 % (30/76) of the water sample, and the detection rate was 63.2 % (12/19) from samples collected in autumn. The average concentration of Acanthamoeba was 3.59 × 10(4) copies/L. For geographic distribution, the detection rate for Acanthamoeba at the northern region was higher than the central and southern regions in all seasons. Results of Spearman rank test revealed that heterotrophic plate count (HPC) had a negative correlation (R = -0.502), while dissolved oxygen (DO) had a positive correlation (R = 0.463) in summer. Significant differences were found only between the presence/absence of Acanthamoeba and HPC in summer (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). T2 and T4 genotypes of Acanthamoeba were identified, and T4 was the most commonly identified Acanthamoeba genotypes. The presence of Acanthamoeba in reservoirs presented a potential public health threat and should be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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30
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Walochnik J, Scheikl U, Haller-Schober EM. Twenty years of acanthamoeba diagnostics in Austria. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:3-11. [PMID: 25047131 PMCID: PMC4342769 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoebae are the causative agents of an often seriously progressing keratitis (AK) occurring predominantly in contact lens wearers and can cause several disseminating infections potentially resulting in granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in the immunocompromised host. Our institution is the Austrian reference laboratory for Acanthamoeba diagnostics and the aim of this study was to give an overview of proven cases of Acanthamoeba infections in Austria during the past 20 yr. All samples of patients with suspected AK or GAE were screened for Acanthamoeba spp. by culture and/or PCR and the detected amoebae were genotyped. Altogether, 154 cases of AK and three cases of GAE were diagnosed. Age of the AK patients ranged from 8 to 82 yr (mean 37.8) and 58% of the patients were female. Approximately 89% of the AK patients were contact lens wearers, almost all cases were unilateral and 19% of the patients required a keratoplasty. Age of the GAE patients ranged from 2 to 25 yr (mean 14.7), all were HIV-negative, but two were severely immunosuppressed at the time of diagnosis. The predominant genotype in the AK cases was T4, other genotypes found were T3, T5, T6, T10 and T11. The three GAE cases involved genotypes T2, T4 and T5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Walochnik
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Monitoring of in vitro dynamics of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from infected eyes as a useful tool in keratitis management. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145 Suppl:S73-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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32
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Novel Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA gene sequence type from an environmental isolate. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2845-50. [PMID: 24858700 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3945-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba, can act as opportunistic parasites on a wide range of vertebrates and are becoming a serious threat to human health due to the resistance of their cysts to harsh environmental conditions, disinfectants, some water treatment practices, and their ubiquitous distribution. Subgenus classification based on morphology is being replaced by a classification based on the sequences of the 18S rRNA gene with a total of 18 different genotypes (T1-T18). A new environmental strain of Acanthamoeba isolated from a waste water treatment plant is presented in this study as a candidate for the description of the novel genotype T19 after phylogenetic analysis.
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Diversity and seasonal impact of Acanthamoeba species in a subtropical rivershed. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:405794. [PMID: 24490160 PMCID: PMC3891742 DOI: 10.1155/2013/405794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the presence of Acanthamoeba species in the Puzih River watershed, which features typical subtropical monsoon climate and is located just above the Tropic of Cancer in Taiwan. The relationship between the seasonal and geographical distributions of Acanthamoeba species in this rivershed was also investigated. Acanthamoeba species were detected in water samples using the amoebal enrichment culture method and confirmed by PCR. A total of 136 water samples were included in this study, 16 (11.7%) of which contained Acanthamoeba species. Samples with the highest percentage of Acanthamoeba (32.4%) were obtained during the summer season, mainly from upstream areas. The identified species in the four seasons included Acanthamoeba palestinensis (T2), Acanthamoeba sp. IS2/T4 (T4), Acanthamoeba lenticulata (T5), Acanthamoeba hatchetti (T11), Acanthamoeba healyi (T12), and Acanthamoeba jacobsi (T15). The most frequently identified Acanthamoeba genotype was T4 (68.7%). Acanthamoeba genotype T4 is responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis and should be considered for associated human health risk potential in the rivershed.
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In vitro efficacy of corifungin against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:1523-8. [PMID: 24366747 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02254-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Painful blinding keratitis and fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis are caused by the free-living amebae Acanthamoeba spp. Several prescription eye medications are used to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis, but the infection can be difficult to control because of recurrence of infection. For the treatment of encephalitis, no single drug was found useful, and in spite of the use of a combination of multiple drugs, the mortality rate remains high. Therefore, efficient, novel drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of amebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. In this study, we identified corifungin, a water-soluble polyene macrolide, as amebicidal. In vitro, it was effective against both the trophozoites and the cysts. Transmission electron microscopy of Acanthamoeba castellanii incubated with corifungin showed the presence of swollen mitochondria, electron-dense granules, degeneration of cytoplasm architecture, and loss of nuclear chromatin structure. These changes were followed by lysis of amebae. Corifungin also induced the encystment process of A. castellanii. There were alterations in the cyst cell wall followed by lysis of the cysts. Corifungin is a promising therapeutic option for keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis.
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35
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Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates associated with keratitis. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3807-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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36
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Orosz E, Farkas A, Ködöböcz L, Becságh P, Danka J, Kucsera I, Füleky G. Isolation of Acanthamoeba from the rhizosphere of maize and lucerne plants. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2013; 60:29-39. [PMID: 23529297 DOI: 10.1556/amicr.60.2013.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae that can be found in almost every range of environments. Within this genus, a number of species are recognized as human pathogens, potentially causing Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and chronic granulomatous lesions. Soil and water samples were taken from experimental station at Julianna Major of Plant Protection Institute of Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (CAR HAS). We detected living Acanthamoeba spp. based on culture-confirmed detection combined with the molecular taxonomic identification method. Living Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in thirteen (65%) samples. The presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the samples depends significantly on the rhizosphere plants. The most frequently identified living Acanthamoeba genotype was T4 followed by T11, T2/T6 and T17. Genotypes T4 and T11 of Acanthamoeba, are responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis as well as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and should therefore be considered as a potential health risk associated with human activities in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Orosz
- Department of Parasitology, National Center for Epidemiology, Budapest, Hungary.
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37
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Webster D, Umar I, Umar I, Kolyvas G, Bilbao J, Guiot MC, Duplisea K, Qvarnstrom Y, Visvesvara GS. Treatment of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis with voriconazole and miltefosine in an immunocompetent soldier. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:715-8. [PMID: 22869634 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A 38-year-old male immunocompetent soldier developed generalized seizures. He underwent surgical debulking and a progressive demyelinating pseudotumor was identified. Serology and molecular testing confirmed a diagnosis of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by Acanthamoeba sp. in this immunocompetent male. The patient was treated with oral voriconazole and miltefosine with Acanthamoeba titers returning to control levels and serial imaging demonstrating resolution of the residual lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Webster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
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38
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Chen NH, Huang KH, Huang CC, Ji DD, Chen JS, Lin WC, Huang SW, Chiu YC. Molecular detection and comparison of Acanthamoeba genotypes in different functions of watersheds in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:4335-4344. [PMID: 21800062 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The protistan genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba existing in various environments. Within this protistan genus, there are some species recognized as potential human pathogens, which may cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis and chronic granulomatous lesions of the skin. In this study, 211 water samples were collected from two watersheds in southern Taiwan. We detected Acanthamoeba based on the PCR amplification with a genus-specific primer pair and investigation of Acanthamoeba in Puzih River and Kaoping River in southern Taiwan. Acanthamoeba species were detected in 34 (16.1%) samples. The presence or absence of Acanthamoeba within the water samples showed significant difference with the levels of water temperature and total coliforms. The most frequently identified Acanthamoeba genotype was T4 (n = 19), followed by T5 (n = 8), and then T15 (n = 3). Genotype T6, T7/T8, T11 and T12 were all detected once. Genotype T4, T5, T6, T11 and T15 of Acanthamoeba are responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis and should be considered a potential health threat associated with human activities in environmental surface water watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
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39
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Alves DDSMM, Moraes AS, Nitz N, de Oliveira MGC, Hecht MM, Gurgel-Gonçalves R, Cuba CAC. Occurrence and characterization of Acanthamoeba similar to genotypes T4, T5, and T2/T6 isolated from environmental sources in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2012; 131:239-44. [PMID: 22546341 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Species of Acanthamoeba can cause keratitis and brain infections. The characterization of environmental isolates is necessary to analyze the risk of human infection. We aimed at identifying and genotyping Acanthamoeba isolates from soil, swimming pools, and water features in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil, as well as determining their physiological characteristics and pathogenic potential. Among the 18 isolates studied, eight were similar to genotype T5, five to T4, and one to T2/T6, classified by the sequence analysis of 18S rDNA. Genotypes of four isolates were not determined. Ten isolates (55%) grew at 37 °C and seven (39%) grew in media with 1.5M mannitol, which are the physiological parameters associated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba; also, four isolates from swimming pools presented high pathogenic potential. Our results indicate a widespread distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba T4, T5, and T2/T6 in different environmental sources in Brasília, revealing the potential risk of human infection and the need of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella de Sousa Mendes Moreira Alves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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40
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D'Auria A, Lin J, Geiseler PJ, Qvarnstrom Y, Bandea R, Roy S, Sriram R, Paddock C, Zaki S, Kim G, Visvesvara GS. Cutaneous Acanthamoebiasis with CNS Involvement Post-Transplantation: Implication for Differential Diagnosis of Skin Lesions in Immunocompromised Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4303/jnp/n120801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Background: Amebic encephalitis (granulomatous amebic encephalitis, GAE) an extremely rare disease occurring in immunocompromised patients. Presentation and early imaging findings are nonspecific. In GAE, enhancement may or may not be seen on imaging studies despite the presence of an aggressive, necrotizing, parasitic infection. Case Description: The patient was a 79-year-old man with ill-defined autoimmune hepatitis. He was on mild immunosuppression with 6-MP and low-dose prednisone. He presented with an acute febrile illness and obtundation. Imaging revealed a nonenhancing mass lesion of the frontal lobe. The patient briefly improved on high-dose steroids, then deteriorated again, with repeat imaging showing enlargement of the edematous brain lesion and herniation. The patient underwent craniotomy for evacuation of a necrotic brain lesion. His condition did not improve. Frozen section revealed only necrosis. Permanent pathology revealed GAE caused by Acanthamoeba. Conclusion: Neurosurgeons should remain aware of this rare disease. Imaging is variable and may not show enhancement or necrosis despite large areas of parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Mayer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Florida State University, Florida, United States
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42
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Barratt JLN, Harkness J, Marriott D, Ellis JT, Stark D. Importance of nonenteric protozoan infections in immunocompromised people. Clin Microbiol Rev 2010; 23:795-836. [PMID: 20930074 PMCID: PMC2952979 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00001-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids and Plasmodium is abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids, Toxoplasma spp., Neospora spp., some free-living amoebae, Plasmodium spp., and Babesia spp. are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L N Barratt
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia.
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43
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Liang SY, Ji DR, Hsia KT, Hung CC, Sheng WH, Hsu BM, Chen JS, Wu MH, Lai CH, Ji DD. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba species related to amoebic encephalitis and nonpathogenic free-living amoeba species from the rice field. J Appl Microbiol 2010; 109:1422-9. [PMID: 20553339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2010.04779.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Isolation and characterization of the clinically relevant amphizoic amoebas in vegetated farmlands, which may present a risk to farmers' health. METHODS AND RESULTS Acanthamoeba species was isolated and characterized via morphological and molecular means in the rice field where the patient was exposed to rice paddy water which most probably was the point of infection. An Acanthamoeba sp. abundant in the rice field was identified. Genotyping showed the strain to be genotype T4, which was identical to the amoebic parasite found in patient's cerebrospinal fluid. During the course of the study, three nonpathogenic free-living amoeba species were also isolated and characterized for the first time in Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully located a possible source of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in a patient and provided the first evidence that Acanthamoeba genotype T4 may be a potential pathogen in Taiwan. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The integration of field survey, clinical data and morphological and genetic examination represents a sound strategy for investigation of the possible role of free-living amoebae in causing human diseases. Future work should include investigating the potential contributory role of other nonpathogenic free-living protozoa in disease of livestock or even human.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-Y Liang
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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44
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Binding to complement factors and activation of the alternative pathway by Acanthamoeba. Immunobiology 2010; 216:225-33. [PMID: 20627448 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba can cause severe ocular and cerebral diseases in healthy and immunocompromised individuals, respectively. Activation of complement appears to play an important role in host defence against infection. The exact mechanism, however, is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of normal human serum (NHS) and normal mouse serum (NMS) on Acanthamoeba trophozoites, the binding of different complement factors to Acanthamoeba and the activation of the complement system. Moreover, we aimed to work out any possible differences between different strains of Acanthamoeba. A virulent T4 strain, a non-virulent T4 strain and a virulent T6 strain were included in the study. It was shown that NHS, but not NMS clearly has amoebicidal properties. After 5min of incubation with NHS, amoebae showed plasma membrane disruption and extrusion of intracellular components. Cells were completely destroyed within 60min of incubation in NHS but stayed intact after incubation in heat-inactivated serum. The binding of human C3 and C9 to amoebae was established by immunoblotting. Although incubation with mouse serum did not result in lysis of Acanthamoeba trophozoites an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) demonstrated a strong deposition of mouse complement factor C3 activation products, moderate binding of C1q, but no binding of MBL-A and MBL-C. EDTA inhibited the binding of C3 to acanthamoebae. Binding of amoebae to C3b was observed with sera from C1qa-/- and MBL-A/C-/- mice, but not with serum from Bf/C2-/- mice demonstrating an activation of complement via the alternative pathway. There were no significant differences between the three Acanthamoeba strains investigated. Altogether, our results prove that NHS is amoebolytic and that Acanthamoeba binds to C3 and C9 and activates the complement system via the alternative pathway.
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45
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Phylogenetic evidence for a new genotype of Acanthamoeba (Amoebozoa, Acanthamoebida). Parasitol Res 2010; 107:233-8. [PMID: 20411277 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba are widespread free-living amoebae, able to cause infection in animals, with keratitis and granulomatous encephalitis as major diseases in humans. Recent developments in the subgenus classification are based on the determination of the nucleotide sequence of the 18S rDNA. By this mean, Acanthamoeba have been clustered into 15 sequence types or genotypes, called T1 to T15. In this study, we analysed near full 18S rDNA of an Acanthamoeba recovered from an environmental sample and various unidentified Acanthamoeba sequences retrieved from GenBank. We provided phylogenetic evidence for a new genotype, which we proposed to name T16.
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46
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Morphological, physiological, molecular and phylogenetic characterization of new environmental isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. from the region of Bratislava, Slovakia. Biologia (Bratisl) 2010. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-009-0217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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47
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Protozoa. Infect Dis (Lond) 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-04579-7.00182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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48
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Pumidonming W, Koehsler M, Walochnik J. Acanthamoeba strains show reduced temperature tolerance after long-term axenic culture. Parasitol Res 2009; 106:553-9. [PMID: 20012991 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living organisms that can be found in various habitats. We investigated the physiological characteristics of 15 Acanthamoeba isolates, representing five genotypes (T4, T5, T6, T7, and T11) of both clinical and nonclinical origins. Moreover, in order to evaluate possible alterations from long-term culture, old and fresh isolates were included, and results were compared to a previous study. We found that there is no significant difference in physiological characteristics between genotypes. However, Acanthamoeba strains that had been grown in axenic culture over long periods of time adapted to axenic growth. Overall growth rates under-agarose migration and particularly, temperature tolerance decrease after long-term axenic culture at room temperature. The only trait that remained rather constant was the cytopathic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilawan Pumidonming
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, Vienna, 1090, Austria
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49
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Diagnosis of infections caused by pathogenic free-living amoebae. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:251406. [PMID: 19657454 PMCID: PMC2719787 DOI: 10.1155/2009/251406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Sappinia sp. are pathogenic free-living amoebae. N. fowleri causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, a rapidly fatal disease of the central nervous system, while Acanthamoeba spp. and B. mandrillaris cause chronic granulomatous encephalitis. Acanthamoeba spp. also can cause cutaneous lesions and Amoebic Keratitis, a sight-threatening infection of the cornea that is associated with contact lens use or corneal trauma. Sappinia pedata has been identified as the cause of a nonlethal case of amoebic encephalitis. In view of the potential health consequences due to infection with these amoebae, rapid diagnosis is critical for early treatment. Microscopic examination and culture of biopsy specimens, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and corneal scrapings have been used in the clinical laboratory. For amoebic keratitis, confocal microscopy has been used to successfully identify amoebae in corneal tissue. More recently, conventional and real-time PCR assays have been developed that are sensitive and specific for the amoebae. In addition, multiplex PCR assays are available for the rapid identification of these pathogens in biopsy tissue, CSF, and corneal specimens.
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50
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Aichelburg AC, Walochnik J, Assadian O, Prosch H, Steuer A, Perneczky G, Visvesvara GS, Aspöck H, Vetter N. Successful treatment of disseminated Acanthamoeba sp. infection with miltefosine. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 14:1743-6. [PMID: 18976559 PMCID: PMC2630722 DOI: 10.3201/eid1411.070854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on an HIV-negative but immunocompromised patient with disseminated acanthamoebiasis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and underlying miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis. The patient responded favorably to treatment with miltefosine, an alkylphosphocholine. The patient remained well with no signs of infection 2 years after treatment cessation.
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