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Aykur M, Selver OB, Dagci H, Palamar M. Vermamoeba vermiformis as the etiological agent in a patient with suspected non-Acanthamoeba keratitis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:323. [PMID: 39254717 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis (V. vermiformis) is one of the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) and is frequently found in environments such as natural freshwater areas, surface waters, soil, and biofilms. V. vermiformis has been reported as a pathogen with pathogenic potential for humans and animals. The aim is to report a case of non-Acanthamoeba keratitis in which V. vermiformis was the etiological agent, identified by culture and molecular techniques. Our case was a 48-year-old male patient with a history of trauma to his eye 10 days ago. The patient complained of eye redness and purulent discharge. A slit-lamp examination of the eye revealed a central corneal ulcer with peripheral infiltration extending into the deep stroma. The corneal scraping sample taken from the patient was cultured on a non-nutritious agar plate (NNA). Amoebae were evaluated according to morphological evaluation criteria. It was investigated by PCR method and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Although no bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the routine microbiological evaluation of the corneal scraping sample that was cultured, amoeba growth was detected positively in the NNA culture. Meanwhile, Acanthamoeba was detected negative by real-time PCR. However, V. vermiformis was detected positive with the specific PCR assay. It was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis to be considered an etiological pathogenic agent. Thus, topical administration of chlorhexidine gluconate %0.02 (8 × 1) was initiated. Clinical regression was observed 72 h after chlorhexidine initiation, and complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 5 weeks. In conclusion, corneal infections due to free-living amoebae can occur, especially in poor hygiene. Although Acanthamoeba is the most common keratitis due to amoeba, V. vermiformis is also assumed to associate keratitis in humans. Clinicians should also be aware of other amoebic agents, such as V. vermiformis, in keratitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Medical School, Central, PO Box 60030, Tokat, 60100, Turkey.
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Barut Selver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Melis Palamar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
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Weger HG, Polasek AK, Wright DM, Damodaran A, Stavrinides J. Grazing preferences of three species of amoebae on cyanobacteria and green algae. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13018. [PMID: 38197812 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Twenty species/isolates of cyanobacteria and green algae were isolated from cyanobacterial bloom samples in lakes associated with the upper Qu'Appelle River drainage system in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Three amoebae species (Cochliopodium sp., Vannella sp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis) were also isolated from one of these samples, and were subjected to grazing assays to determine which species of cyanobacteria or algae could potentially serve as a food source. Amoeba grazing rates were quantified based on the diameter of the plaque after 12 days on agar plate assays, and by estimation of the amoeba population growth rate from the rate of increase of plaque area. The common cyanobacterial bloom-formers Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae supported high growth rates for all three amoebae, while green algae, with the exception of one green alga/amoeba combination, did not support growth of the tested amoebae. Many of the cyanobacterial and algal isolates that did not support amoebae growth were ingested, suggesting that ingestion did not determine grazing success. Overall, while the cyanobacteria Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were suitable food sources for the amoebae, the other cyanobacteria were grazed in an unpredictable manner, with some species/strains grazed by some amoebae and some species not grazed at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold G Weger
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - April K Polasek
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Derek M Wright
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Arun Damodaran
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John Stavrinides
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Ramírez-Flores E, Bonilla-Lemus P, Carrasco-Yépez MM, Ramírez-Flores MA, Barrón-Graciano KA, Rojas-Hernández S, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J. Saline-Tolerant Pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from a Geothermal Power Plant. Pathogens 2023; 12:1363. [PMID: 38003827 PMCID: PMC10674709 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111363] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have been conducted in the cooling systems of power plants; they have focused on Naegleria fowleri, leaving a gap in the knowledge of other pathogenic free-living amoebae in this environment. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of saline-tolerant pathogenic Acanthamoeba in a geothermal power plant. The identification of isolated amoebae at genus level was carried out, observing their morphological characteristics; the determination of genotype and species of Acanthamoeba was performed via molecular biology (PCR). Water temperature ranged from 18 to 43 °C and conductivity from 4.0 × 104 to 8.7 × 104 μS/cm; this last value was greater than the seawater value. Only five amoeba genera were found. Acanthamoeba was in all the sampling sites, showing high saline tolerance. The high temperature, but mainly high conductivity, were the environmental conditions that determined the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae in the hot water. All the strains of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni killed the mice, having a mortality of 40 to 100%. Acanthamoeba genotypes T10 and T5 were identified, T10 is rarely isolated from the environment, while T5 is more frequent. This is the first time that genotypes T5 and T10 have been reported in the environment in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ramírez-Flores
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, CyMA, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico; (P.B.-L.); (M.M.C.-Y.); (M.A.R.-F.)
| | - Patricia Bonilla-Lemus
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, CyMA, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico; (P.B.-L.); (M.M.C.-Y.); (M.A.R.-F.)
| | - María M. Carrasco-Yépez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, CyMA, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico; (P.B.-L.); (M.M.C.-Y.); (M.A.R.-F.)
| | - Miguel A. Ramírez-Flores
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, CyMA, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico; (P.B.-L.); (M.M.C.-Y.); (M.A.R.-F.)
| | - Karla A. Barrón-Graciano
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, CyMA, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico; (P.B.-L.); (M.M.C.-Y.); (M.A.R.-F.)
| | - Saúl Rojas-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología Molecular y Celular, Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Salvador Díaz Mirón S/N, Casco de Santo Tomás, Miguel Hidalgo 11340, Mexico;
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna (ULL), Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna (ULL), Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez S/N, 38206 Tenerife, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (J.L.-M.)
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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Aykur M, Dagci H. Molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri in soil samples using quantitative real-time PCR assay in Turkey; Hidden danger in the soil! Acta Trop 2023:106956. [PMID: 37244403 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106956] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri are pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) and are commonly found in the environment, particularly soil. This pathogenic FLA causes central nervous system-affecting granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) or primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and can also cause keratitis and skin infections. In the present study, we aimed to determine the quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in soil samples collected from places where human contact is high by using a qPCR assay in Izmir, Turkey. A total of 45.71% (n=16) of Acanthamoeba spp., 20% (n=7) of B. mandrillaris, and 17.4% (n=6) of N. fowleri were detected in five different soil sources by the qPCR assay. The quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in various soil sources was calculated at 10 × 105 - 6 × 102, 47 × 104 to 39 × 103, and 9 × 103 - 8 × 102 plasmid copies/gr, respectively. While the highest quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp. and B. mandrillaris was determined in garden soil samples, N. fowleri was detected in potting soil samples. Three different genotypes T2 (18.75%), T4 (56.25%), and T5 (25%) were identified from Acanthamoeba-positive soil samples. Acanthamoeba T4 genotype was the most frequently detected genotype from soil samples and is also the most common genotype to cause infection in humans and animals. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study to identify genotype T5 in soil samples from Turkey. In conclusion, people and especially children should be aware of the hidden danger in the garden and potting soil samples that come into contact most frequently. Public health awareness should be raised about human infections that may be encountered due to contact with the soil. Public health specialists should raise awareness about this hidden danger in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University Medical School, Tokat, Turkey; Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, İzmir, Turkey
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Sousa-Ramos D, Reyes-Batlle M, Bellini NK, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Naegleria australiensis isolated from a wastewater treatment station in Santiago Island, Cape Verde. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:443-450. [PMID: 37338323 PMCID: wh_2023_008 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite the Naegleria genus being isolated from different natural environments such as water, soil, and air, not all Naegleria species are capable of causing infections in humans, and they are capable of completing their life cycle in environmental niches. However, the presence of this genus may suggest the existence of one of the highly pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) species: Naegleria fowleri or the brain-eating amoeba. This facultative parasitic protozoon represents a risk to public health, mainly related to domestic and agricultural waters. In this research, our main objective was to determine the existence of pathogenic protozoa in the Santa Cruz wastewater treatment plant, Santiago Island. Using 5 L of water we confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic Naegleria australiensis, being the first report on Naegleria species in Cape Verde. This fact demonstrates the low efficiency in the treatment of wastewater and, consequently, a potential threat to public health. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed for the prevention and control of possible infections in this Macaronesian country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djeniffer Sousa-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Both authors have contributed equally to this study
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Both authors have contributed equally to this study
| | - Natalia Karla Bellini
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rubén Leocadio Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain
| | - José Enrique Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - 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, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38203, Spain E-mail: ; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Distribution and Current State of Molecular Genetic Characterization in Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101199. [PMID: 36297255 PMCID: PMC9612019 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa widely distributed in the environment, found in a great diversity of terrestrial biomes. Some genera of FLA are linked to human infections. The genus Acanthamoeba is currently classified into 23 genotypes (T1-T23), and of these some (T1, T2, T4, T5, T10, T12, and T18) are known to be capable of causing granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) mainly in immunocompromised patients while other genotypes (T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T10, T11, T12, and T15) cause Acanthamoeba keratitis mainly in otherwise healthy patients. Meanwhile, Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of an acute infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), while Balamuthia mandrillaris, like some Acanthamoeba genotypes, causes GAE, differing from the latter in the description of numerous cases in patients immunocompetent. Finally, other FLA related to the pathologies mentioned above have been reported; Sappinia sp. is responsible for one case of amoebic encephalitis; Vermamoeba vermiformis has been found in cases of ocular damage, and its extraordinary capacity as endocytobiont for microorganisms of public health importance such as Legionella pneumophila, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others. This review addressed issues related to epidemiology, updating their geographic distribution and cases reported in recent years for pathogenic FLA.
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Bellini NK, Thiemann OH, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Costa AO. A history of over 40 years of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba studies in Brazil - a systematic review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210373. [PMID: 35792751 PMCID: PMC9252135 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) group includes the potentially pathogenic genera Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, Sappinia, and Vermamoeba, causative agents of human infections (encephalitis, keratitis, and disseminated diseases). In Brazil, the first report on pathogenic FLA was published in the 70s and showed meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria spp. FLA studies are emerging, but no literature review is available to investigate this trend in Brazil critically. Thus, the present work aims to integrate and discuss these data. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched, retrieving studies from 1974 to 2020. The screening process resulted in 178 papers, which were clustered into core and auxiliary classes and sorted into five categories: wet-bench studies, dry-bench studies, clinical reports, environmental identifications, and literature reviews. The papers dating from the last ten years account for 75% (134/178) of the total publications, indicating the FLA topic has gained Brazilian interest. Moreover, 81% (144/178) address Acanthamoeba-related matter, revealing this genus as the most prevalent in all categories. Brazil’s Southeast, South, and Midwest geographic regions accounted for 96% (171/178) of the publications studied in the present work. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the pioneer in summarising the FLA research history in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Karla Bellini
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Otavio Henrique Thiemann
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Khatoonaki H, Solhjoo K, Rezanezhad H, Armand B, Abdoli A, Taghipour A. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dental-unit water samples. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1126-1136. [PMID: 35902994 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the presence of free-living amoebae (FLAs) in various water sources has been reported, few studies have been surveyed on their abundance in medical-unit and dental-unit water samples. The current study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in the water samples of the dental unit in Iran. A total of 232 water samples were collected from 17 dental units. Then, filtration and cultivation were conducted on a non-nutrient agar (NNA) medium. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sequencing were performed by using the genus/species-specific primers plus a common primer set on positive samples. One hundred and sixty-six samples were positive for FLA by the microscopic method, whereas 114 samples were positive by the molecular method with a common primer set. Considering the PCR assay with genus/species-specific primers, 23.27% (54/232) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T4 genotype), 36.63% (85/232) as Vermamoeba vermiformis, and 1.72% (4/232) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria lovaniensis). These results highlight a need to improve filtration systems in dental units and periodic screenings for FLA in dental-unit water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Khatoonaki
- 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, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Belal Armand
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran E-mail: ; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Sousa-Ramos D, Reyes-Batlle M, Bellini NK, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Martín-Real C, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Pathogenic free-living amoebae from water sources in Cape Verde. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2399-2404. [PMID: 35660958 PMCID: PMC9279231 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07563-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa which have been reported in different countries worldwide from diverse sources (water, soil, dust, air), contributing to the environmental microbiological contamination. Most of the FLA species present a life cycle with two different phases: an active vegetative and physiologically form named trophozoite, and an extremely resistant phase called cyst. Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, Sapinia pedata, Vahlkampfia spp., Paravahlkampfia spp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis have been reported not only as causal agents of several opportunistic diseases including fatal encephalitis or epithelial disorders, but also as capable to favour the intracellular survival of common pathogenic bacteria, which could avoid the typical water disinfection systems, non-effective against FLAs cysts. Even though Santiago Island possesses high levels of humidity compared to the rest of the archipelago of Cape Verde, the water resources are scarce. Therefore, it is important to carry out proper microbiological quality controls, which currently do not contemplate the FLA presence in most of the countries. In the present work, we have reported the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. (69.2%); Vannella spp. (15.4%); Vermamoeba vermiformis (7.7%) and the recently discovered Stenamoeba dejonckheerei (7.7%) in different water sources of Santiago Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djeniffer Sousa-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales Y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez S/N, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales Y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez S/N, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Karla Bellini
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 369, São Carlos, SP, 13560-590, Brazil
| | - Rubén L Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales Y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez S/N, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Martín-Real
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales Y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez S/N, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales Y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez S/N, 38203, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - 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, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva Y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red M.P. (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Geballa-Koukoulas K, La Scola B, Blanc G, Andreani J. Diversity of Giant Viruses Infecting Vermamoeba vermiformis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:808499. [PMID: 35602053 PMCID: PMC9116030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.808499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus in 2003 using the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga caused a paradigm shift in the virology field. Twelve years later, using another amoeba as a host, i.e., Vermamoeba vermiformis, novel isolates of giant viruses have been discovered. This amoeba–virus relationship led scientists to study the evolution of giant viruses and explore the origins of eukaryotes. The purpose of this article is to review all the giant viruses that have been isolated from Vermamoeba vermiformis, compare their genomic features, and report the influence of these viruses on the cell cycle of their amoebal host. To date, viruses putatively belonging to eight different viral taxa have been described: 7 are lytic and 1 is non-lytic. The comparison of giant viruses infecting Vermamoeba vermiformis has suggested three homogenous groups according to their size, the replication time inside the host cell, and the number of encoding tRNAs. This approach is an attempt at determining the evolutionary origins and trajectories of the virus; therefore, more giant viruses infecting Vermamoeba must be discovered and studied to create a comprehensive knowledge on these intriguing biological entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Geballa-Koukoulas
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Khalil Geballa-Koukoulas,
| | - Bernard La Scola
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Blanc
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Andreani
- MEPHI, APHM, IRD 198, Aix Marseille University, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Julien Andreani,
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11
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A Shahin S, H Alarcon J, Brosky HN, Lamori JG, Dada AC, Xue J, Gyawali P, P Sherchan S. Occurrence of Naegleria fowleri and faecal indicators in sediments from Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:657-669. [PMID: 35482382 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, in sediment samples from Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana was investigated. This amoeba is pathogenic and can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods were used to test for the prevalence of Naegleria fowleri, HF183, and E. coli. N. fowleri was detected in 51.25% of our sediment samples. Illumina sequencing of sediment samples revealed ten different phyla, with Cyanobacteria being the most predominant at sites that generally presented with the highest median N. fowleri concentrations. N. fowleri was however strongly negatively correlated with HF183 (r = -0.859, p < 0.001). Whenever sediment E. coli concentrations were below 1.54 Log GC/g, there was only a 37.5% chance that N. fowleri would be detected in the same sample. When sediment E. coli concentrations exceeded 2.77 Log GC/g, the chances of detecting N. fowleri in the same sample increased to 90%, potentially suggesting predatory activity by the amoeba. The effect of temperature was observed to be different in relation to observed N. fowleri concentrations and detection rates. Although sediment samples collected during periods of higher temperatures had significantly lower mean N. fowleri concentrations (2.7 Log GC/g) compared to those collected at lower temperatures (3.7 Log GC/g, t(39) = 4.167, p < 0.001), higher N. fowleri detection rates in the overall samples were observed at higher temperatures (>19.1 °C) than at lower temperatures (<19.1 °C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalina A Shahin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Joshua H Alarcon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Hanna N Brosky
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Jennifer G Lamori
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail:
| | | | - Jia Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Porirua 5240, New Zealand
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail: ; Department of Biology, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
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12
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Cazals M, Bédard E, Doberva M, Faucher S, Prévost M. Compromised Effectiveness of Thermal Inactivation of Legionella pneumophila in Water Heater Sediments and Water, and Influence of the Presence of Vermamoeba vermiformis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020443. [PMID: 35208896 PMCID: PMC8874534 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermittent reduction of temperature set-points and periodic shutdowns of water heaters have been proposed to reduce energy consumption in buildings. However, the consequences of such measures on the occurrence and proliferation of Legionella pneumophila (Lp) in hot water systems have not been documented. The impact of single and repeated heat shocks was investigated using an environmental strain of L. pneumophila and a reference strain of V. vermiformis. Heat shocks at temperatures ranging from 50 °C to 70 °C were applied for 1 h and 4 h in water and water heaters loose deposits (sludge). The regrowth potential of heat-treated culturable L. pneumophila in presence of V. vermiformis in water heaters sludges was evaluated. A 2.5-log loss of culturability of L. pneumophila was observed in simulated drinking water at 60 °C while a 4-log reduction was reached in water heaters loose deposits. Persistence of Lp after 4 h at 55 °C was shown and the presence of V. vermiformis in water heater’s loose deposits resulted in a drastic amplification (5-log). Results show that thermal inactivation by heat shock is only efficient at elevated temperatures (50 °C) in both water and loose deposits. The few remaining organisms can rapidly proliferate during storage at lower temperature in the presence of hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Cazals
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; (E.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Emilie Bédard
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; (E.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Margot Doberva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; (E.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Sébastien Faucher
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada;
| | - Michèle Prévost
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; (E.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
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13
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Mathison BA, Sapp SGH. An annotated checklist of the eukaryotic parasites of humans, exclusive of fungi and algae. Zookeys 2021; 1069:1-313. [PMID: 34819766 PMCID: PMC8595220 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1069.67403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classification of "parasites" in the medical field is a challenging notion, a group which historically has included all eukaryotes exclusive of fungi that invade and derive resources from the human host. Since antiquity, humans have been identifying and documenting parasitic infections, and this collective catalog of parasitic agents has expanded considerably with technology. As our understanding of species boundaries and the use of molecular tools has evolved, so has our concept of the taxonomy of human parasites. Consequently, new species have been recognized while others have been relegated to synonyms. On the other hand, the decline of expertise in classical parasitology and limited curricula have led to a loss of awareness of many rarely encountered species. Here, we provide a comprehensive checklist of all reported eukaryotic organisms (excluding fungi and allied taxa) parasitizing humans resulting in 274 genus-group taxa and 848 species-group taxa. For each species, or genus where indicated, a concise summary of geographic distribution, natural hosts, route of transmission and site within human host, and vectored pathogens are presented. Ubiquitous, human-adapted species as well as very rare, incidental zoonotic organisms are discussed in this annotated checklist. We also provide a list of 79 excluded genera and species that have been previously reported as human parasites but are not believed to be true human parasites or represent misidentifications or taxonomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A. Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USAInstitute for Clinical and Experimental PathologySalt Lake CityUnited States of America
| | - Sarah G. H. Sapp
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USACenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaUnited States of America
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14
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Biglarnia F, Solhjoo K, Rezanezhad H, Taghipour A, Armand B. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:454-461. [PMID: 34676414 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living amoeba (FLA), including Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia and Vermamoeba, have been isolated from water, sand, soil, dust and air. Numerous studies considered that FLA are a significant cause of neurological and ocular complications in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed to identify morphological and molecular characteristics of FLA isolates in dialysis fluid samples of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units in Iran. METHODS A total of 328 dialysis fluid samples were collected from 16 dialysis machines, including 164 samples before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) and 164 samples after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning). Filtration and cultivation were performed on non-nutrient agar medium. Also, PCR and sequencing were applied by using the genus-specific primers along with a common primer set on positive samples. RESULTS Both morphology and molecular investigations showed that 22.5% (74/328) of dialysis fluid samples were positive for FLA. There was a positive relationship between the high frequency of FLA after hemodialysis sessions (before cleaning) compared with before hemodialysis sessions (after cleaning) (OR=2.86; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.45). Considering the PCR assay, 16.46% (54/328) samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. (belonging to T3 and T4 genotypes), 5.18% (17/328) as Vermamoeba vermiformis and 0.91% (3/328) as Vahlkampfiidae family (Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria pagei and Allovahlkampfia). CONCLUSION The present results support a need to improve filtration and purification methods for dialysis fluid of hydraulic systems in hemodialysis units. They also highlight the relevance of periodic screenings for FLA-related diseases in hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Biglarnia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167715258, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7167712521, Iran
| | - Belal Armand
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen 78120, Germany
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15
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Norouzi M, Saberi R, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Mirjalali H, Fatemi M, Javanmard E, Karamati SA. Molecular Identification of Pathogenic Free-Living Amoeba from Household Biofilm Samples in Iran: A Risk Factor for Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102098. [PMID: 34683419 PMCID: PMC8537737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. However, they are also the causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans and other animals. A biofilm comprises any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface. Moreover, FLA have been detected in various biofilms around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to check for presence of FLA in samples from household biofilms in Iran and to characterize them at the molecular level. A total of 69 biofilm samples collected from showerheads, kitchen areas, and bathroom sinks were analyzed. Positive samples for FLA were characterized at the morphological and molecular levels. Furthermore, the results of morphology analysis indicated that 26.08% (18/69) of biofilm samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba genus, and Vahlkampfiids. According to sequence analysis, five strains of Acanthamoeba isolates related to the T4 genotype and two strains belonged to the T2 genotype. In addition, the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba-positive isolates was conducted using the tolerance ability test. The results of BLASTn of Vermamoeba sequences were similar to what was expected for Vermamoeba vermiformis. The above-mentioned reasons revealed that the relative high contamination of household biofilm samples with FLA may pose a risk for people using soft contact lenses and for patients with traumatic cataract. Our finding proposes that filtration should be performed in shower heads and indicates the need to monitor people at increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48175, Iran;
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran
- Correspondence: or
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran;
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran; (M.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14114, Iran;
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 57169, Iran;
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16
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Fabros MRL, Diesta XRS, Oronan JA, Verdejo KS, Garcia JASM, Sophia Romey M, Milanez GDJ. Current report on the prevalence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:563-574. [PMID: 34371494 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs is considered a public health concern. FLAs are known to cause serious health outcomes to a wide spectrum of mammalian hosts. The present study aimed to provide the distribution of isolated cases of FLAs in hot springs through a systematic review process of available published articles online. Relevant studies are published between January 2010 and January 2020 involving the isolation of Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia spp., Sappinia spp., and Vermamoeba spp. in natural hot springs in the United States, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Articles were identified through a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Out of 94 articles screened, a total of 20 articles are included in the study with consideration of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common FLAs isolated in hot springs are Acanthamoeba spp. (134; 48.5%) and Naegleria spp. (127; 46.0%). Other FLAs isolated in hot springs include Balamuthia spp. (2; 0.7%) and Vermamoeba spp. (13; 4.7%). FLA in hot springs used for recreational and medical purposes is a potential source of infection. It is recommended that strict surveillance and maintenance of hot springs be implemented to prevent potential future infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Anthony Oronan
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Kim Sofia Verdejo
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | | | - Ma Sophia Romey
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail: ; Division III (Medical Sciences), National Research Council of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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17
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Sousa-Ramos D, Reyes-Batlle M, Bellini NK, Rodríguez-Expósito RL, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Free-Living Amoebae in Soil Samples from Santiago Island, Cape Verde. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071460. [PMID: 34361894 PMCID: PMC8306126 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed protozoa, which contain some groups considered as pathogenic microorganisms. These members are able to produce several opportunistic diseases including epithelial disorders, such as keratitis and fatal encephalitis. Even though they have been reported in numerous sources, such as soils, dust and water, there is no legislation related to the presence of these protozoa in soil-related environments worldwide. Therefore, there are no established prevention or disinfection protocols to advise the population regarding FLA infections or eliminate these microorganisms from human-related environments to date. Acanthamoeba spp. are the most common FLA isolated in soil samples, which is also the most common genera found in clinical cases. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of potentially pathogenic FLA in human-related soil samples of Santiago Island, Cabo Verde. A total of 26 soil samples were seeded in non-nutrient agar plates (2%), incubated at 26 °C, and monitored daily to evaluate the presence of FLA. DNA was extracted from those plates on which there was suspected FLA growth, and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was carried out. A total of 17 from the 26 analysed samples were positive for FLA, where Acanthamoeba is the most abundant isolated genus (14/17; 82.4%), with the T4 genotype being the most common (13/14; 92.9%), followed by the T5 genotype, A. lenticulata (1/14; 7.1%). Moreover, Vermamoeba vermiformis, Stenamoeba dejonckheerei and Vannella pentlandi were isolated in three other samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of FLA presence in Cape Verde and the first report of V. vermiformis in beach sand worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djeniffer Sousa-Ramos
- 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, 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, Tenerife, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.R.-B.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
| | - Natália K. Bellini
- 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 369, São Carlos 13560-590, SP, Brazil
| | - Rubén L. Rodríguez-Expósito
- 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, 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, Tenerife, Spain
| | - José E. Piñero
- 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, 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, Tenerife, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.R.-B.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
| | - 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, Tenerife, Spain; (D.S.-R.); (N.K.B.); (R.L.R.-E.)
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, 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, Tenerife, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.R.-B.); (J.E.P.); (J.L.-M.)
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Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Khan NA. The Increasing Importance of Vermamoeba vermiformis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 68:e12857. [PMID: 33987951 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis are one of the most prevalent free-living amoebae. These amoebae are ubiquitous and also thermotolerant. Of concern, V. vermiformis have been found in hospital water networks. Furthermore, associations between V. vermiformis and pathogenic bacteria have been reported, such as Legionella pneumophila. Moreover, V. vermiformis are well known to host viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms and cases of keratitis due to V. vermiformis in conjunction with other amoebae have been reported. Despite the preceding, the medical importance of V. vermiformis is still an ongoing discussion and its genome has been only recently sequenced. Herein, we present a review of the current understanding of the biology and pathogenesis pertaining to V. vermiformis, as well as its' role as an etiological agent and trojan horse. An approach known as theranostics which combines both diagnosis and therapy could be utilized to eradicate and diagnose keratitis cases caused by such amoebae. Given the rise in global warming, it is imperative to investigate these rarely studied amoebae and to understand their importance in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.,Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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van der Loo C, Bartie C, Barnard TG, Potgieter N. Detection of Free-Living Amoebae and Their Intracellular Bacteria in Borehole Water before and after a Ceramic Pot Filter Point-of-Use Intervention in Rural Communities in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3912. [PMID: 33917870 PMCID: PMC8068299 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous in nature, whereas amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB) have evolved virulent mechanisms that allow them to resist FLA digestion mechanisms and survive inside the amoeba during hostile environmental conditions. This study assessed the prevalence of FLA and ARB species in borehole water before and after a ceramic point-of-use intervention in rural households. A total of 529 water samples were collected over a five-month period from 82 households. All water samples were subjected to amoebal enrichment, bacterial isolation on selective media, and molecular identification using 16S PCR/sequencing to determine ARB species and 18S rRNA PCR/sequencing to determine FLA species present in the water samples before and after the ceramic pot intervention. Several FLA species including Acanthamoeba spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were isolated. The ceramic pot filter removed many of these microorganisms from the borehole water. However, design flaws could have been responsible for some FLA and ARB detected in the filtered water. FLA and their associated ARB are ubiquitous in borehole water, and some of these species might be potentially harmful and a health risk to vulnerable individuals. There is a need to do more investigations into the health risk of these organisms after point-of-use treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa van der Loo
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa; (C.v.d.L.); (T.G.B.)
| | | | - Tobias George Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa; (C.v.d.L.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Natasha Potgieter
- Environmental Health, Domestic Hygiene and Microbial Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 1950, South Africa
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Moussa M, Marcelino I, Richard V, Guerlotté J, Talarmin A. An Optimized Most Probable Number (MPN) Method to Assess the Number of Thermophilic Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) in Water Samples. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9050409. [PMID: 32456327 PMCID: PMC7281388 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection and quantification of pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in water samples is critical for assessing water quality and for disease management issues. The most probable number (MPN) is commonly used to account for FLA in water. Nevertheless, this requires a high number of water replicates and working volumes, and a consequent number of non-nutrient agar (NNA)-plates seeded with Escherichia coli. Herein, we aimed at optimizing this difficult method, taking also into account key factors such as (i) the counting method, (ii) the delay between sample collection and sample processing, and (iii) the temperature during water sample transportation. To simplify the MPN method, we filtrated 1 × 1000 and 1 × 100 mL water samples, and cellulose acetate filters were cut in 10 parts and inverted on NNA-plates overlaid with E. coli. The comparison between the classical and our optimized MPN method showed that the final counts were similar, therefore validating the use of the optimized method. Our results also showed that for thermophilic FLA (such as Naegleria fowleri), water samples can be kept at around +30°C and processed within 24 h. This improved MPN method is now routinely used in our laboratory to control Naegleria sp. in the water samples in Guadeloupe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Moussa
- Unité TReD-Path (Transmission Réservoir & Diversité des Pathogènes), Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, 97183 Guadeloupe, France; (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Isabel Marcelino
- Unité TReD-Path (Transmission Réservoir & Diversité des Pathogènes), Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, 97183 Guadeloupe, France; (M.M.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +590-590-897-664
| | | | - Jérôme Guerlotté
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) MNHN, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE Université des Antilles, Pointe-à-Pitre, 97110 Guadeloupe, France;
| | - Antoine Talarmin
- Unité TReD-Path (Transmission Réservoir & Diversité des Pathogènes), Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Les Abymes, 97183 Guadeloupe, France; (M.M.); (A.T.)
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Vermamoeba vermiformis in hospital network: a benefit for Aeromonas hydrophila. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3191-3194. [PMID: 31511977 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila, considered as an emerging pathogen, is increasingly involved in opportunistic human infections. This bacterium, mainly present in aquatic environments, can therefore develop relationships with the free-living amoeba Vermamoeba vermiformis in hospital water networks. We showed in this study that the joint presence of V. vermiformis and A. hydrophila led to an increased bacterial growth in the first 48 h of contact and moreover to the protection of the bacteria in adverse conditions even after 28 days. These results highlight the fact that strategies should be implemented to control the development of FLA in hospital water systems.
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