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Sohn HJ, Park AY, Lee JH, Yun KH, Song KJ, Kim JH, Shin HJ. Amoebicidal effect of chlorine dioxide gas against pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:192. [PMID: 38652173 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08215-z] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenic free-living amoebae, Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba polyphaga, are found in freshwater, soil, and unchlorinated or minimally chlorinated swimming pools. N. fowleri and A. polyphaga are becoming problematic as water leisure activities and drinking water are sources of infection. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas is a potent disinfectant that is relatively harmless to humans at the concentration used for disinfection. In this study, we examined the amoebicidal effects of ClO2 gas on N. fowleri and A. polyphaga. These amoebae were exposed to ClO2 gas from a ready-to-use product (0.36 ppmv/h) for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Microscopic examination showed that the viability of N. fowleri and A. polyphaga was effectively inhibited by treatment with ClO2 gas in a time-dependent manner. The growth of N. fowleri and A. polyphaga exposed to ClO2 gas for 36 h was completely inhibited. In both cases, the mRNA levels of their respective actin genes were significantly reduced following treatment with ClO2 gas. ClO2 gas has an amoebicidal effect on N. fowleri and A. polyphaga. Therefore, ClO2 gas has been proposed as an effective agent for the prevention and control of pathogenic free-living amoeba contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Jin Sohn
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Young Park
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Hwa Yun
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ju Song
- Chunsu Mountain Medicinal Herb Research Association, Bundanggu, 13637, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
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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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Joseph SJ, Park S, Kelley A, Roy S, Cope JR, Ali IKM. Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Naegleria fowleri Clinical and Environmental Isolates. mSphere 2021; 6:e0063721. [PMID: 34378985 PMCID: PMC8386437 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00637-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Out of over 40 species of Naegleria, which are free-living thermophilic amebae found in freshwater and soil worldwide, only Naegleria fowleri infects humans, causing primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a typically fatal brain disease. To understand the population structure of Naegleria species and the genetic relationships between N. fowleri isolates and to detect pathogenic factors, we characterized 52 novel clinical and environmental N. fowleri genomes and a single Naegleria lovaniensis strain, along with transcriptomic data for a subset of 37 N. fowleri isolates. Whole-genome analysis of 56 isolates from three Naegleria species (N. fowleri, N. lovaniensis, and Naegleria gruberi) identified several genes unique to N. fowleri that have previously been linked to the pathogenicity of N. fowleri, while other unique genes could be associated with novel pathogenicity factors in this highly fatal pathogen. Population structure analysis estimated the presence of 10 populations within the three Naegleria species, of which 7 populations were within N. fowleri. The whole-nuclear-genome (WNG) phylogenetic analysis showed an overall geographical clustering of N. fowleri isolates, with few exceptions, and provided higher resolution in identifying potential clusters of isolates beyond that of the traditional locus typing. There were only 34 genes that showed significant differences in gene expression between the clinical and environmental isolates. Genomic data generated in this study can be used for developing rapid molecular assays and to conduct future population-based global genomic analysis and will also be a valuable addition to genomic reference databases, where shotgun metagenomics data from routine water samples could be searched for the presence of N. fowleri strains. IMPORTANCE N. fowleri, the only known Naegleria species to infect humans, causes fatal brain disease. PAM cases from 1965 to 2016 showed <20 cases per year globally. Out of approximately 150 cases in North America since 1962, only four PAM survivors are known, yielding a >97% case fatality rate, which is critically high. Although the pathogenesis of N. fowleri has been studied for the last 50 years, pathogenetic factors that lead to human infection and breaching the blood-brain barrier remain unknown. In addition, little is known regarding the genomic diversity both within N. fowleri isolates and among Naegleria species. In this study, we generated novel genome sequences and performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of a set of 52 N. fowleri draft genome sequences from clinical and environmental isolates derived from all over the world in the last 53 years, which will help shape future genome-wide studies and develop sensitive assays for routine surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep J. Joseph
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Subin Park
- Eagle Medical Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Shantanu Roy
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Cope
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ibne Karim M. Ali
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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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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Gunarathna N, Amarasinghe A, Wijesundara S, Iddawela D, Wickramasinghe S. Isolation, molecular characterization and phylogeny of Naegleria species in water bodies of North-Western Province, Sri Lanka. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248510. [PMID: 33705485 PMCID: PMC7951808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inland freshwater bodies in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka have ideal environmental conditions for the Naegleria species. Therefore, the presence and prevalence of Naegleria species in the water bodies of North-Western Province were determined by molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis in this study. METHODS A total of 104 water bodies were selected from Kurunegala and Puttalam districts in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka. Mean turbidity, pH, and temperature were recorded in each water body from three selected site. Centrifuged samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar plates with Escherichia coli. Enflagellation test positive isolates were subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction using genus and species-specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and Mp2CL5 gene. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. RESULTS The prevalence of Naegleria species and N. fowleri in the study area were 23.07% and 1.92%. The prevalence of Naegleria species and the physicochemical parameters of the water bodies showed no significant correlation. Bayesian analysis of the ITS region revealed the Naegleria Sri Lankan (SL) isolates 1, 3, and 4 in a single clade separated from the 2 and 5. Furthermore, Bayesian analysis identified isolates 2 and 5 in the same clade with Naegleria sp. samples and N. Philippinensis forming a sister clade. However, in the ML tree, all isolates were in the same clade with Naegleria sp. samples and N. Philippinensis. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports the first isolation of pathogenic N. fowleri from Sri Lanka. Based on Bayesian analysis, SL isolates 2 and 5 form a separate clade from 1, 3, and 4. However, in ML analysis, all isolates are grouped in one clade with Naegleria sp. samples and N. philippinensis. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuwan Gunarathna
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Ministry of Health, Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thero Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Anjalie Amarasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Sunil Wijesundara
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Devika Iddawela
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail: (DI); (SW)
| | - Susiji Wickramasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail: (DI); (SW)
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Panda A, Mirdha BR, Rastogi N, Kasuhik S. Understanding the true burden of "Naegleria fowleri" (Vahlkampfiidae) in patients from Northern states of India: Source tracking and significance. Eur J Protistol 2020; 76:125726. [PMID: 32682925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2020.125726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study is an attempt to investigate the presence of Naegleria fowleri in Indian population. A total of 307 patients were enrolled and water samples were collected from both residential and surrounding areas of patients found positive for N. fowleri. The different species of Naegleria from both clinical and water samples were identified taxonomically. Recommended microbiological conventional techniques were used to identify different Naegleria stages and other free-living amoebae from the samples. PCR assays, using both genus and species specific primers were also optimized. None of the samples were positive by conventional microbiological examinations. However, PCR assays detected only three samples positive for N. fowleri. A total of 10 water bodies (ponds), that were used by Naegleria positive patients were examined. The pH and temperature of the water samples collected from water bodies ranged between 5.6-7.2 and 25-32 °C respectively. Among all the 10 water samples tested, four samples were positive for genus Naegleria by PCR assay, of which only two samples, showed positive amplification for N. fowleri. The sequence analysis of N. fowleri strain belonged to genotype II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Panda
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bijay Ranjan Mirdha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Neha Rastogi
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Samander Kasuhik
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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Saberi R, Seifi Z, Dodangeh S, Najafi A, Abdollah Hosseini S, Anvari D, Taghipour A, Norouzi M, Niyyati M. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis on the global prevalence of
Naegleria
spp. in water sources. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2389-2402. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Azar Najafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology Paramedical Faculty Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Lorestan Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Kang H, Sohn HJ, Seo GE, Seong GS, Ham AJ, Park AY, Jung SY, Lee SE, Cho SH, Shin HJ. Molecular detection of free-living amoebae from Namhangang (southern Han River) in Korea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:335. [PMID: 31942007 PMCID: PMC6962209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The free-living amoebae Naegleria spp. and Acanthamoeba spp. exist in the natural environment and are sometimes causal agents of lethal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), amoebic keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in humans, respectively. To ascertain the existence of free-living amoebae in Korea, water samples were collected from the Korean hydrosphere, Namhangang (southern Han River), an active location for water skiing and recreation. Samples underwent two-step filtration and were cultured on non-nutrient agar medium with inactivated E. coli. The remaining samples were subjected to PCR for primarily the 18S small ribosomal RNA gene and gene sequencing. Similarities in 18S rDNA sequences, in comparison with various reference amoebae in GenBank, showed 86~99% homology with N. gruberi, N. philippinensis, N. clarki, A. polyphaga, A. castellannii, and Hartmannella (Vermamoeba) vermiformis. Therefore, this study will be useful for seasonal detection of free-living amoebae from various Korean hydrospheres in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heekyoung Kang
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Jin Sohn
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Eun Seo
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Sang Seong
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Jeong Ham
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Young Park
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Yul Jung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Diagnostics Research Institute, School of Health and Medicine, Namseoul University, Cheonan, 31020, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Osong, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Osong, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
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Abdul Majid MA, Mahboob T, Mong BGJ, Jaturas N, Richard RL, Tian-Chye T, Phimphila A, Mahaphonh P, Aye KN, Aung WL, Chuah J, Ziegler AD, Yasiri A, Sawangjaroen N, Lim YAL, Nissapatorn V. Pathogenic waterborne free-living amoebae: An update from selected Southeast Asian countries. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169448. [PMID: 28212409 PMCID: PMC5315373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on the distribution of free-living amoebae is still lacking especially in Southeast Asian region. The aquatic environment revealed a high occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) due to its suitable condition and availability of food source, which subsequently causes infection to humans. A total of 94 water samples consisted of both treated and untreated from Laos (31), Myanmar (42), and Singapore (21) were investigated for the presence of pathogenic FLA. Each water sample was filtered and cultured onto non-nutrient agar seeded with live suspension of Escherichia coli and incubated at room temperature. Morphological identification was conducted for both trophozoites and cysts via microscopic stains (Giemsa and immunofluorescence). The presence of Naegleria-like structures was the most frequently encountered in both treated and untreated water samples, followed by Acanthamoeba-like and Vermamoeba-like features. To identify the pathogenic isolates, species-specific primer sets were applied for molecular identification of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, and Vermamoeba. The pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba lenticulata and A. triangularis were detected from untreated water samples, while Vermamoeba vermiformis was found in both treated and untreated water samples. Our results suggested that poor water quality as well as inadequate maintenance and treatment might be the cause of this alarming problem since chlorine disinfection is ineffective in eradicating these amoebas in treated water samples. Regular monitoring and examination of water qualities are necessary in order to control the growth, hence, further preventing the widespread of FLA infections among the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Azlan Abdul Majid
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Brandon G. J. Mong
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Narong Jaturas
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Reena Leeba Richard
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tan Tian-Chye
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anusorn Phimphila
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos PDR
| | - Panomphanh Mahaphonh
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos PDR
| | - Kyaw Nyein Aye
- Ecological Laboratory, Advancing Life and Regenerating Motherland (ALARM), Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Wai Lynn Aung
- Ecological Laboratory, Advancing Life and Regenerating Motherland (ALARM), Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Joon Chuah
- Institute of Water Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alan D. Ziegler
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Atipat Yasiri
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Nongyao Sawangjaroen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkhla University, Hat-Yai, Thailand
| | - Yvonne A. L. Lim
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: ,
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11
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Reeder WHH, Sanck J, Hirst M, Dawson SC, Wolfe GV. The Food Web of Boiling Springs Lake Appears Dominated by the Heterolobosean Tetramitus thermacidophilus Strain BSL. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2014; 62:374-90. [PMID: 25382699 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We studied the protist grazers of Boiling Springs Lake (BSL), an acid geothermal feature in Lassen Volcanic National Park, using a combination of culture and genetic approaches. The major predator in BSL is a vahlkampfiid ameba closely related (95% 18S+ITS rRNA identity) to Tetramitus thermacidophilus, a heterolobose ameboflagellate recently isolated from volcanic geothermal acidic sites in Europe and Russia, as well as an uncultured heterolobosean from the nearby Iron Mountain acid mine drainage site. Tetramitus thermacidophilus strain BSL is capable of surviving the physical extremes of BSL, with optimal growth at 38-50 °C and pH 2-5. This bacterivore also ingested conidiospores of the ascomycete Phialophora sp., but ultrastructural observations reveal the latter may not be readily digested, and conidia were not separable from the ameoboflagellate culture, suggesting a possible symbiosis. DGGE fingerprint transects studies showed the organism is restricted to near-lake environs, and we detected an average of ~500 viable cysts/cm(3) sediment on the shoreline. Other grazing protists were isolated from lakeshore environments, including the lobose amebae Acanthamoeba sp. and Hartmannella sp., and the kinetoplastid flagellate Bodo sp., but none could tolerate both low pH and high temperature. These appear to be restricted to cooler near lake geothermal features, which also contain other potential grazer morphotypes observed but not successfully cultured, including ciliates, euglenids, testate amebae, and possible cercozoans. We compare the food web of BSL with other acidic or geothermal sites, and discuss the impact of protists in this unique environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H H Reeder
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Chico, Chico, California, 95929-0515
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Chiu YC, Chang CL, Ji WT, Huang SW, Fan CW. Application of TaqMan qPCR for the detection and monitoring of Naegleria species in reservoirs used as a source for drinking water. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3765-71. [PMID: 25079704 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria spp. can be found in the natural aquatic environments. Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal infections in the central nervous system in humans and animals, and the most important source of infection is through direct water contact. In this study, PCR of 5.8S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was performed in order to identify Naegleria isolates and quantify the Naegleria spp. by TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR in reservoir water samples. The occurrence of Naegleria spp. was investigated in 57 water samples from reservoirs with culture and PCR positive in 2 of them (3.5%), respectively. The total detection rate was 7.0% (4/ 57) for Naegleria spp. The identified species included Naegleria spp., Naegleria canariensis, and Naegleria clarki. N. fowleri was not found in Taiwan's reservoirs used for drinking purposes. The concentrations of Naegleria spp. in detected positive reservoir water samples were in the range of 599 and 3.1 × 10(3) cells/L. The presence or absence of Naegleria spp. within the reservoir water samples showed significant difference with the levels of water temperature. The presence of Naegleria spp. in reservoirs considered a potential public health threat if pathogenic species exist in reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, No.168, Sec. 1, University Rd., Minhsiung Township, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Identification and significance of Naegleria fowleri isolated from the hot spring which related to the first primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) patient in Taiwan. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:691-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Herman EK, Greninger AL, Visvesvara GS, Marciano-Cabral F, Dacks JB, Chiu CY. The mitochondrial genome and a 60-kb nuclear DNA segment from Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 60:179-91. [PMID: 23360210 PMCID: PMC3594069 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a unicellular eukaryote causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a neuropathic disease killing 99% of those infected, usually within 7-14 days. Naegleria fowleri is found globally in regions including the US and Australia. The genome of the related nonpathogenic species Naegleria gruberi has been sequenced, but the genetic basis for N. fowleri pathogenicity is unclear. To generate such insight, we sequenced and assembled the mitochondrial genome and a 60-kb segment of nuclear genome from N. fowleri. The mitochondrial genome is highly similar to its counterpart in N. gruberi in gene complement and organization, while distinct lack of synteny is observed for the nuclear segments. Even in this short (60-kb) segment, we identified examples of potential factors for pathogenesis, including ten novel N. fowleri-specific genes. We also identified a homolog of cathepsin B; proteases proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diverse eukaryotic pathogens, including N. fowleri. Finally, we demonstrate a likely case of horizontal gene transfer between N. fowleri and two unrelated amoebae, one of which causes granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. This initial look into the N. fowleri nuclear genome has revealed several examples of potential pathogenesis factors, improving our understanding of a neglected pathogen of increasing global importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Herman
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Heggie TW. Swimming with death: Naegleria fowleri infections in recreational waters. Travel Med Infect Dis 2010; 8:201-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Revised: 06/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Huang SW, Hsu BM. Survey of Naegleria and its resisting bacteria-Legionella in hot spring water of Taiwan using molecular method. Parasitol Res 2010; 106:1395-402. [PMID: 20306206 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria is a free-living amoebae existing in soil and aquatic environments. Within the genus Naegleria, N. fowleri is most recognized as potential human pathogen causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Furthermore, the Naegleria spp. can serve as vehicles for facultative pathogens, such as Legionella. In this study, we identified Naegleria and Legionella based on the PCR amplification with a genus-specific primer pair and investigated the distribution of Naegleria and Legionella at five spring recreation areas in Taiwan. In this study of hot spring and other water sources in Taiwan, five Naegleria spp. were detected in 15 (14.2%) of the water samples. The most frequently detected was N. lovaniensis (n = 6), followed by N. australiensis (n = 5), and then N. clarki (n = 2). N. americana and N. pagei were detected once, respectively. The pathogenic species N. fowleri was not detected; however, N. australiensis considered to be a potential pathogen species in humans was found. Legionella spp., an endosymbiont of Naegleria, was detected in 19 (17.9%) of the water samples in this study. Overall, 5.7% of the water samples contained both Naegleria and Legionella. The Legionella spp. identified were L. pneumophila and L. erythra. Results of this survey confirm the existence of Naegleria and Legionella in Taiwan spring recreation areas. It should be considered a potential threat for health associated with human activities in spring recreation areas of Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Wei Huang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Edagawa A, Kimura A, Kawabuchi-Kurata T, Kusuhara Y, Karanis P. Isolation and genotyping of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species from tap-water sources in Osaka, Japan. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1109-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1528-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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