Frequency and genetic diversity of Acanthamoeba spp. free living Amoeba in water sources of Urmia, North west Iran (original) (raw)
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Turkish Journal of Parasitology, 2016
Objective: Acanthamoeba is one of the most abundant free-living amoebas that is widely distributed in natural and artificial environment resources. Acanthamoeba pathogenic genotypes cause chronic human diseases including amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. The aim of this study was to determine and identify Acanthamoeba genotypes residing in pools and stagnant water in ponds in Sistan region in southeast Iran.
Objective: These amoebas can cause dangerous illnesses when they accidentally enter the human body, so it is necessary to determine various forms of organisms in water resources to prevent the danger they can cause and risks to human health. Currently, in Bandar Abbas, there is no sufficient information about the distribution of Acanthamoeba, and we intended to study its frequency and determine the related genotypes. Results: Out of 83 water samples collected from different resources in the city, 31 plates (37.3%) were found to be positive for free-living amoebae. Of these, five were identified as Acanthamoeba (6%) by culture method and 8 (9.6%) by molecular method. Positive sample sequence analysis enables us to distinguish two genotypes of T4 (7 cases) and T15 (1 case) in this study.
Parasitology Research, 2018
Acanthamoeba are free-living amoebae found in various ecological environments, and they are major microbial predators. Some Acanthamoeba species can cause keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and infections of the organs. This is the first study in Latvia describing Acanthamoeba detection by molecular techniques and genotyping using tap water from different sources. An 18S rRNA gene investigation of the 20 Acanthamoeba isolates suggested that 19 belonged to the hazardous T4 genotype and one sample was T12. The results indicate that tap water in Latvia may be a source of Acanthamoeba that is potentially pathogenic to humans. All obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database under the following accession numbers: MG386295-MG386314.
Water Supply, 2021
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed protozoa in natural or man-made aquatic environments without the need for a host organism for survival. Several strains of FLA are known to be pathogenic. As of date, there is inadequate data on the geographical distribution of FLA in northeastern and northern Iran. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria in drinking water and surface water samples in northern and northeastern Iran. A total of 60 water samples were collected and filtered from various sources for the presence of amoebae. DNA extraction was performed, and PCR confirmed the presence of FLA. PCR products were sequenced to identify the species/genotype. Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status constructed using MEGA X software. The findings on growth media showed 35% (21/60) and 26% (16/60) were positive for Acanthamoeba and Naegleria, respectively, while PCR analysis also obtained similar results. All i...
Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. as Neglected Parasites in North of Iran
The Korean Journal of Parasitology, 2016
Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is widely distributed in the environment, water sources, soil, dust, and air. It can cause keratitis in contact lens wearers with poor hygiene and also fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the distribution and genotypes of the potentially pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba present in water sources in north of Iran. Total 43 Acanthamoeba species were isolated from 77 water samples taken from different water sources within the Mazandaran province in Northern Iran (Sari city and suburbs). Isolates were identified based on cyst and trophozoite morphological characteristics as well genetics. PCR fragments corresponding to the small-subunit 18S rRNA gene were sequenced for 20 of 43 positive isolates. The results revealed that 83.3% of sequenced isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T2 genotype. Our results indicated that Acanthamoeba is widely distributed in Sari city. As the incidence in Iran of amoebic keratitis has increased in recent years, the exact estimation of the prevalence of this amoeba and its predominant genotype may play a crucial role in prevention of the disease. Sari city has several rivers, seashores, and natural recreational amenities, which attract visitors during the year. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba genotypes from water sources in Sari city, Mazandaran province of Iran, and the results suggest that more attention is needed to protect the visiting population and immunocompromised individuals.
Isolation and genotyping of Acanthamoeba strains from water sources of Kermanshah, Iran
PubMed, 2019
Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoeba commonly found in environmental sources such as soil, water, and dust. This ubiquitous amoeba is the causative agent of amoebic keratitis (AK) and encephalitis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the water sources of Kermanshah city, Iran. Sixty water samples were taken from different localities of Kermanshah including agricultural canals, rivers, and swimming pools. Filtration and cultivation were carried out on non-nutrient agar medium (NNA). The axenic cultivation was performed for all of the positive isolates. PCR analysis was performed on positive samples. Sequencing was done for 12 PCR products. Genotypes were identified by blast search and homology analysis. The obtained data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 16) software. Acanthamoeba spp. was found in 46 (76.66%) water samples and amoebae were grown in the TYI-S-33 medium. Sequencing of 12 samples proved that Acanthamoeba belonged to T4 (75%), T2 (8.34%), T5 (8.33%) and T11 (8.33%) genotypes. In this study, Acanthamoeba T4 (75%), T2 (8.34%), T5 (8.33%) and T11 (8.33%) genotypes were isolated from the water of Kermanshah city. Thus, hygiene consideration is recommended to prevent the contamination.
Genotyping determination of Acanthamoeba strains: an original study and a systematic review in Iran
World Health Organization (WHO), 2019
This study aimed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in different water resources of Zahedan, southeast of Iran, and also systematically reviewed all publications regarding Acanthamoeba in Iran (2005-2018). Fifty water samples were collected from different water resources in Zahedan. The positive samples were identified morphologically and subjected to PCR using fragments of 18S rRNA. In the systematic review, data collection using particular terms was carried out using the following electronic databases including Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE, EBSCO, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 17 (34%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp., and nucleotide sequencing indicated that 15 samples (88.23%) belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T5 genotype. A total of 39 studies reported genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. from various geographical areas of Iran and revealed that T4 (35 studies), T5 (19 studies), T3 (11 studies), T11 (8 studies), and T2 (6 studies) genotypes were the most prevalent in Iran. The T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba is a prevalent free-living amoeba and widely distributed not only in Zahedan but also in other provinces of Iran. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that A. castellanii and A. griffini predominantly colocalize with the T4 genotype.
Genotyping of Acanthamoeba isolated from water in recreational areas of Tehran, Iran
Journal of Water and Health, 2011
A comprehensive survey assessing the presence of Acanthamoeba was conducted on 50 samples from water sources in parks and public squares from 22 municipal districts of Tehran, Iran. The prevalence and genotypes of Acanthamoeba were determined by PCR and the PCR fragments of ribosomal RNA genes sequenced. Sixteen (32%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. Sequence analysis revealed that the positive isolates belonged to the T4 and T5 genotypes. Fourteen isolates (87.5%) were T4, and two (12.5%) were T5. Acanthamoeba may be a problematic organism for contact lens wearers and for immunocompromised individuals. In Iran, Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased in recent years, mainly due to poor hygiene in contact lens wearers. A thorough survey for the prevalence of this amoeba could have a significant role in prevention of disease. This is the first report of the T5 genotype from water in recreational areas of Tehran.
The Acanthamoeba spp. in Water Sources from Zanjan Province, Northwest of Iran
Journal of Human Environment and Health Promotion, 2017
"Background: The genus of Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoan parasite with a worldwide distribution where it is able to cause fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and amoebic keratitis (AK). This organism inhabits in the wide range of natural and man-made aquatic environments. The present study was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the various water resources of Zanjan province, northwest Iran, using both morphological and molecular methods. Methods: The Water samples were randomly collected from 30 water sources in different parts of Zanjan, Iran, between April 2015 and May 2016. Then, the samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar and the Acanthamoeba genus identified by morphological characters. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the 18S rRNA gene as a molecular marker. Results: The obtained data showed that, out of the 60 water samples collected, 30 (50%) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. According to morphological and molecular approaches. Conclusion: The present investigation is the first report of the distribution of Acanthamoeba spp. in the various water sources of Zanjan province, gives baseline knowledge regarding water contamination with Acanthamoeba spp. in these areas and emphasizes the necessity of more attention to water sources in order to prevent infections associated with Acanthamoeba spp."
Environmental health insights, 2015
Acanthamoeba-related infections, such as amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, can develop in high-risk population through contaminated water sources. Thus, surveying water resources, particularly those available for human use, is of the utmost importance. In the present study, 67 water samples were collected from water resources in East Azerbaijan, a province in northwestern Iran. Samples were cultured on enriched nonnutrient agar plates, and sequencing-based approaches were used for genotyping. The pathogenic potential of the isolates was determined using thermo-and osmo-tolerance tests. Acanthamoeba were detected in 17 (25.4%) of the 67 collected samples. Sequencing analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to the T3 (23.52%), mixed T3/T4 (5.88%), T4 (58.82%), T5 (5.88%), and T13 (5.88%) genotypes. Through thermo-and osmo-tolerance tests, 88.23% of isolates were resistant to 37 °C, 40 °C temperature, and 0.5 M and 1 M osmolarity; thus, these isolates had the potential for pathogenicity. These findings point toa serious public health concern in the studied region. This study is the first to report Acanthamoeba isolated from drinking and recreational water sources in East Azerbaijan and Acanthamoeba T13 isolated from tap water in Iran.