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Mahdavi Poor B, Rashedi J, Asgharzadeh V, Mirmazhary A, Gheitarani N. Proteases of Acanthamoeba. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:19. [PMID: 38063887 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The members of genus Acanthamoeba are the etiological agent of uncommon but severe or even fatal opportunistic infections in human beings. The presence of different classes of intracellular and extracellular proteases including serine proteases, cysteine proteases, and metalloproteases has been well documented in environmental and clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. However, the role of the proteolytic enzymes in physiological, biological, and pathological mechanisms of the amoeba remains partially investigated. Some attempts have been conducted using various methods to determine the profile of proteases (number, class, optimal conditions, and activity of the enzymes), and possible pathogenicity mechanism of the proteolytic enzymes (various protein substrate degradation, cytopathic effect on different cell lines). In some cases, it was attempted to correlate intracellular and extracellular protease profile with pathogenicity potential of strains. This review revealed that the protease profile of different strains of Acanthamoeba was extremely complex, therefore, further comprehensive studies with application of a combination of various methods may help to elucidate the role of the enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behroz Mahdavi Poor
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jalil Rashedi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Asgharzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirali Mirmazhary
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran
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Masangkay FR, Milanez GD, Dionisio JD, Ormita LAGL, Alvarez AV, Karanis P. Well water sources simultaneous contamination with Cryptosporidium and Acanthamoeba in East-Southeast Asia and Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilms in the Philippines. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155752. [PMID: 35533862 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is the leading agent of waterborne parasitic protozoan outbreaks and is the second leading cause of infant mortality due to diarrhoea worldwide. Acanthamoeba spp. causes Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and a life-threatening condition known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The present study aimed to assess the water quality of an indigenous and a rural community for waterborne parasitic protozoan contamination. Aquatic samples (n = 22) were processed by filtration of 500 mL portion through a 1.2 μm pore size glass microfiber filter and eluted for light microscopy, culture in non-nutrient agar, and PCR analysis. Overall, 36% (8/22) of the investigated aquatic samples were positive for either Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (13%; 3/22) or Acanthamoeba spp., (36%; 8/22) or both (13%; 3/22). Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 27% (3/11) of wet season samples only while Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in 18% (2/11) and 55% (6/11) of wet and dry season samples, respectively. Subsequently, molecular detection for Acanthamoeba species identified A. lenticulata and A. hatchetti with 98-99% BLAST similarity. This is the first report on the simultaneous contamination of Cryptosporidium and Acanthamoeba in well water sources in East-Southeast Asia, the first detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilms in the Philippines, and the longest viability demonstrated for A. lenticulata in two-year-old water samples stored at room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines.
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Joseph D Dionisio
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila 1015, Philippines
| | - Luzelle Anne G-L Ormita
- Department of Psychology, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila 1015, Philippines; Community Extension Services, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila 1015, Philippines
| | - Abel V Alvarez
- Community Extension Services, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila 1015, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medical and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne 50923, Germany; Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Science, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, 2417, Cyprus.
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Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3033-3050. [PMID: 36040629 PMCID: PMC9424809 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57–50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977–2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010–2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33–62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87–45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48–55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
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Norouzi M, Saberi R, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Mirjalali H, Fatemi M, Javanmard E, Karamati SA. Molecular Identification of Pathogenic Free-Living Amoeba from Household Biofilm Samples in Iran: A Risk Factor for Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102098. [PMID: 34683419 PMCID: PMC8537737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. However, they are also the causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans and other animals. A biofilm comprises any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface. Moreover, FLA have been detected in various biofilms around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to check for presence of FLA in samples from household biofilms in Iran and to characterize them at the molecular level. A total of 69 biofilm samples collected from showerheads, kitchen areas, and bathroom sinks were analyzed. Positive samples for FLA were characterized at the morphological and molecular levels. Furthermore, the results of morphology analysis indicated that 26.08% (18/69) of biofilm samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba genus, and Vahlkampfiids. According to sequence analysis, five strains of Acanthamoeba isolates related to the T4 genotype and two strains belonged to the T2 genotype. In addition, the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba-positive isolates was conducted using the tolerance ability test. The results of BLASTn of Vermamoeba sequences were similar to what was expected for Vermamoeba vermiformis. The above-mentioned reasons revealed that the relative high contamination of household biofilm samples with FLA may pose a risk for people using soft contact lenses and for patients with traumatic cataract. Our finding proposes that filtration should be performed in shower heads and indicates the need to monitor people at increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48175, Iran;
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran
- Correspondence: or
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran;
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14114, Iran;
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 57169, Iran;
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Eftekhari-Kenzerki R, Solhjoo K, Babaei Z, Rezanezhad H, Abolghazi A, Taghipour A. High occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the water samples of public swimming pools from Kerman Province, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:864-871. [PMID: 34665778 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. is a free-living amoeba that can cause major infections in humans, including keratitis and granulomatous encephalitis. Thus, water resources play an important role in transmitting Acanthamoeba spp. infection to humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in public swimming pools from three cities of Kerman Province, southeastern Iran. Eighty water samples of 20 public indoor swimming pools were taken from Kerman, Jiroft, and Kahnauj cities. Water temperature (°C), pH, and free chlorine concentration (ppm) were measured. Filtration and cultivation were applied on non-nutrient agar medium. The polymerase chain reaction was applied by using the genus-specific primers (JDP1 and JDP2) on positive samples; these primers can amplify the 423-551 bp fragment. Eighteen of the 20 swimming pools (including 32/80; 40% samples) were contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. All swimming pools of Jiroft and Kahnauj and 88.2% of swimming pools in Kerman were contaminated. As such, all 32 Acanthamoeba isolates were amplified using the JDP primer pairs. Two genotypes, T3 and T4, were also identified. The present research is the first to report Acanthamoeba spp. in public swimming pools from Kerman Province. Due to high occurrence of this protozoan, it is recommended to use warning signs around swimming pools to create awareness of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Eftekhari-Kenzerki
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail:
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ahmad Abolghazi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail:
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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The role of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilm communities: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2717-2729. [PMID: 34292376 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in healthy contact lens wearers. Amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed in nature, living either freely or as parasites, and are frequently associated with biofilms throughout the environment. These biofilms provide the parasite with protection against external aggression, thus favoring its increased pathogeny. This review aims to assess observational studies on the association between Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms, opening potential lines of research on this severe ocular infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020 in the following databases: PubMed Central®/Medline, LILACS, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE®. The studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifically defined for this review. Electronic research recovered 353 publications in the literature. However, none of the studies met the inclusion criterion of biofilm-producing Acanthamoeba spp., inferring that the parasite does not produce biofilms. Nonetheless, 78 studies were classified as potentially included regarding any association of Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms. These studies were allocated across six different locations (hospital, aquatic, ophthalmic and dental environments, biofilms produced by bacteria, and other places). Acanthamoeba species use biofilms produced by other microorganisms for their benefit, in addition to them providing protection to and facilitating the dissemination of pathogens residing in them.
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COVID-19: Research Directions for Non-Clinical Aerosol-Generating Facilities in the Built Environment. BUILDINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings11070282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Physical contact and respiratory droplet transmission have been widely regarded as the main routes of COVID-19 infection. However, mounting evidence has unveiled the risk of aerosol transmission of the virus. Whereas caution has been taken to avoid this risk in association with clinical facilities, facilities such as spa pools and Jacuzzis, which are characterized by bubble-aerosol generation, high bather loads, and limited turnover rates, may promote aerosol transmission. Focusing on these non-clinical facilities in the built environment, a review study was undertaken. First, the typical water disinfection and ventilation-aided operations for the facilities were illustrated. Second, cross comparisons were made between the applicable standards and guidelines of the World Health Organization and countries including Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The similarities and differences in their water quality specifications, ventilation requirements, and air quality enhancement measures were identified; there were no specific regulations for preventing aerosol transmission at those aerosol-generating facilities. Third, a qualitative review of research publications revealed the emergence of studies on potential air-borne transmission of COVID-19, but research on built facilities posing high risks of aerosol transmission remains scant. This study’s results inform key directions for future research on abating aerosol transmission of COVID-19: the development of bespoke personal protective equipment and engineering and management controls on water quality, ventilation, and air quality.
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Reyes‐Batlle M, Gabriel MF, Rodríguez‐Expósito R, Felgueiras F, Sifaoui I, Mourão Z, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Piñero JE, Lorenzo‐Morales J. Evaluation of the occurrence of pathogenic free-living amoeba and bacteria in 20 public indoor swimming pool facilities. Microbiologyopen 2021; 10:e1159. [PMID: 33650798 PMCID: PMC7859502 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, indoor swimming pool activities have increased to promote health-enhancing physical activities, which require establishing suitable protocols for disinfection and water quality control. Normally, the assessment of the microbial quality of the water in the pools only considers the presence of different bacteria. However, other less frequent but more resistant pathogens, such as free-living amoebas (FLA), are not contemplated in both existing recommendation and research activities. FLA represent a relevant human health risk, not only due to their pathogenicity but also due to the ability to act as vehicles of other pathogens, such as bacteria. Therefore, this work aimed to study the physicochemical characteristics and the occurrence of potentially pathogenic FLA and bacteria in water samples from 20 public indoor swimming facilities in Northern Portugal. Our results showed that some swimming pools presented levels of pH, free chlorine, and conductivity out of the recommended limits. Pathogenic FLA species were detected in two of the facilities under study, where we also report the presence of both, FLA and pathogenic bacteria. Our findings evidence the need to assess the occurrence of FLA and their existence in the same environmental niche as pathogenic bacteria in swimming pool facilities worldwide and to establish recommendations to safeguard the health of the users.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes‐Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Marta F. Gabriel
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | - Rubén Rodríguez‐Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
| | - Fátima Felgueiras
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Zenaida Mourão
- INEGIInstitute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial EngineeringPortoPortugal
| | | | - José E. Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo‐Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de CanariasUniversidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, ToxicologíaMedicina Legal y Forense y ParasitologíaUniversidad De La LagunaTenerife, Islas CanariasSpain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET)Spain
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Paknejad N, Hajialilo E, Saraei M, Javadi A. Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba genotypes and Naegleria spp. from the water samples of public swimming pools in Qazvin, Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:244-251. [PMID: 32300097 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA), including Acanthamoeba and Naegleria are facultative parasites in humans. The amoeba have widespread distribution in various water sources. The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria isolated from swimming pools and also hot and cold tub waters in Qazvin province. The samples (166 water samples) were cultured to isolate and identify positive specimens. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to confirm the isolated species and genotypes of amoeba. According to morphological characterizations, 18.6% of specimens were identified as FLA, which in 71% were Acanthamoeba by PCR method. Molecular analysis revealed that 36.3%, 18.1% and 4.5% of Acanthamoeba specimens were identified as T3, T4 and T11 Acanthamoeba genotypes, respectively. Protacanthamoeba bohemica (27.2%) and Acanthamoeba sp. (4.5%) were found among the specimens. The results of osmo-tolerance and thermo-tolerance assays demonstrated that 50% of T3 and 25% of T4 genotypes of Acanthamoeba were highly pathogenic parasites. The molecular approach showed the presence of Naegleria lovaniensis (9%) in hot tub water of swimming pools. This study demonstrated that the swimming pools and hot tub water in Qazvin province were contaminated with Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Paknejad
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, and Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran and Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran E-mail:
| | - Amir Javadi
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Sarmadian H, Hazbavi Y, Didehdar M, Ghannadzadeh MJ, Hajihossein R, Khosravi M, Ghasemikhah R. Fungal and parasitic contamination of indoor public swimming pools in Arak, Iran. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2020; 95:8. [PMID: 32813116 PMCID: PMC7366294 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-020-0036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimming is a popular exercise for different types of people at different ages. Public swimming pools are places where fungal infections can be easily transferred. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of mycological, parasitological, and physicochemical parameters of swimming pools of Arak city. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done for 12 months from April 2013 to March 2014 in six indoor active swimming pools of Arak city (A, B, C, D, E, and F). Samples were collected in four seasons, two times/season; each time, two samples were obtained from six specified locations (shallow level pool, deep level pool, dressing rooms, showers, margin of pool walls, and foot-washing sink) from each pool with a total of 576 samples. Physicochemical parameters including water temperature, pH, turbidity, and the residual chlorine were measured on-site. In order to isolate and detect the fungal agents, special filters and culture Sabouraud's dextrose agar, chloramphenicol, and mycosel agar media were applied. Furthermore, non-nutrient agar medium enriched with Escherichia coli was used to detect and to separate the eggs of the worms, cysts, and parasitic protozoa from centrifuges of samples. In order to investigate their sediment, optical microscope and culture media were used. RESULTS We found that 456 (79.1%) samples were positive regarding the fungal elements, and 516 fungal species were isolated. The most common isolates were saprophytic species (8.74%), yeast species (25%), and dermatophyte species (2.5%). The most contaminated surfaces were foot-washing sinks and showers. In this study, Acanthamoeba parasites were isolated from one pool only. All the investigated physicochemical parameters of pool water except for the temperature were found to be in the standard range. CONCLUSIONS Existence of saprophytic fungi and yeast in pools' water is plausible to be considered as an indicator of water resistance to the detergent agents. This high degree of contamination is due to the huge number of visitors, the complexity of construction, the choice of materials, and the long opening hours. Isolation of dermatophytes and Acanthamoeba parasite from the pools' area and foot-washing sink reveals the important role of the public swimming pools in disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Sarmadian
- Department of Infectious Disease, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Yasamin Hazbavi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Didehdar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Reza Hajihossein
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mahmood Khosravi
- School of Paramedical Sciences, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemikhah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
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First Molecular Evidences of Acanthamoeba T3, T4 and T5 Genotypes in Hemodialysis Units in Iran. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:911-915. [PMID: 31552581 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00122-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is a genus of the free-living amoeba that is widespread in the environment and is a causative agent of opportunistic infections in human. This study aimed to investigate the existence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba species in hemodialysis units in Iran. METHODS In the present study, forty water samples of hydraulic systems and twenty dust samples were collected from two hemodialysis units in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. The samples were cultivated on non-nutrient agar and genotyping was performed by targeting the 18S rRNA gene. RESULTS Both morphology and molecular analyses showed that 17.5% (7/40) of water samples and 50% (10/20) of dust samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. The sequencing analysis of these isolates was found to be T3, T4 and T5 genotypes. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation to identify of Acanthamoeba species in hydraulic system of hemodialysis units in Iran. High contamination of hemodialysis units with virulent T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba may poses a risk for biofilm formation. Our results support urgent need to improve filtration methods in dialysis units and monitoring hemodialysis patients for Acanthamoeba infections.
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