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McKim S, Kopystynsky K, Wolf N, Akbar FA, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Mejia R. Environmental Detection of Parasites in the Marginalized Paiute Reservations Compared to a Nearby Area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:457-459. [PMID: 38350146 PMCID: PMC10919181 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The amounts of parasite DNA in soil samples from different playgrounds and other public areas can help identify areas of possible microbe transmission and give indications of the possible occurrence of parasite infection in nearby communities. We collected 207 soil samples from parks in Paiute indigenous tribal areas in southwestern Utah and from the higher income city of St. George, Utah, and tested them for 11 parasites that can cause human disease. Molecular tests revealed an elevated odds ratio (OR) of 3.072 (range, 1.114-8.065) for detecting the helminth Trichuris trichiura and an elevated OR of 3.036 (range, 1.101-7.966) for any protozoa (not including Acanthamoeba) in the tribal land playgrounds compared with St. George parks. These findings support previous studies showing that areas in lower socioeconomic communities, especially marginalized communities, tend to have more parasites in the soil, which may lead to higher disease prevalence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon McKim
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, St. George, Utah
| | | | - Nathaniel Wolf
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Fahim A. Akbar
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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McKim S, Kopystynsky K, Wolf N, Akbar FA, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Mejia R. Environmental detection of parasites in the marginalized Paiute reservations compared to a nearby area. medRxiv 2023:2023.10.24.23297407. [PMID: 37961205 PMCID: PMC10635189 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.23297407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The amounts of parasite DNA in soil samples from different playgrounds and other public areas can help identify areas of possible microbe transmission as well as giving indications of possible occurrence of parasite infection in nearby communities. We collected 207 soil samples from parks located on Paiute indigenous tribal areas in southwest Utah and from higher income city of St. George, Utah, and tested them for the presence of 11 parasites that can cause human disease. Molecular tests revealed elevated odds ratio of detecting the helminth Trichuris trichiura 3.072 (1.114 to 8.065) and any protozoa (not including Acanthamoeba ) 3.036 (1.101 to 7.966) in the tribal land playgrounds compared to St. George parks. These findings support previous studies showing that areas in lower socioeconomic communities, especially marginalized communities, tend to have higher presence of parasites in the soil that may lead to higher rates of disease prevalence.
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Fatemi M, Niyyati M, Rouhani S, Karamati SA, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Contamination of fresh vegetables in municipal stores with pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes; a public health concern. Int J Environ Health Res 2023; 33:1010-1021. [PMID: 35443833 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2067328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. cause keratitis and encephalitis, and are a proper carrier of foodborne pathogens. A total of 70 samples including garden cress, chives, mint, parsley, and basil were collected. Samples were cultured onto a 2% non-nutrient agar medium. The cultures were analyzed using morphological and molecular techniques. In total, 18 (25.7%) out of 70 samples were positive including garden cress 10/22 (45.45%), chives 3/12 (25%), mint 2/13 (15.38%), basil 2/13 (15.38%), and parsley 1/10 (10%). The diagnostic fragment 3 was successfully sequenced in 15 samples and represented 11 (73.3%) T4, three (20%) T5, and one T9 genotypes. In addition, three, two, and one strains, belonging to the genotypes T4, T5, and T9 were ranked highly pathogenic. This is the first study reporting contamination of the most commonly consumed fresh vegetables with pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes. Our findings signify the public health concerns due the contamination of vegetables in municipal public markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziye Fatemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- 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
| | - Soheila Rouhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Chaúque BJM, Corção G, Benetti AD, Rott MB. A challenge in washing water with the sun: 24h of SODIS fails to inactivate Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and internalized Pseudomonas aeruginosa under strong real sun conditions. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023; 22:2179-2188. [PMID: 37296325 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite access to drinking water being a basic human right, the availability of safe drinking water remains a privilege that many do not have and as a result, many lives are lost each year due to waterborne diseases associated with the consumption of biologically unsafe water. To face this situation, different low-cost household drinking water treatment technologies (HDWT) have been developed, and among them is solar disinfection (SODIS). Despite the effectiveness of SODIS and the epidemiological gains being consistently documented in the literature, there is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of the batch-SODIS process against protozoan cysts as well as their internalized bacteria under real sun conditions. This work evaluated the effectiveness of the batch-SODIS process on the viability of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts, and internalized Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dechlorinated tap water contaminated with 5.6 × 103 cysts/L, contained in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, was exposed for 8 h a day to strong sunlight (531-1083 W/m2 of maximum insolation) for 3 consecutive days. The maximum water temperature inside the reactors ranged from 37 to 50 °C. Cyst viability was assessed by inducing excystment on non-nutrient agar, or in water with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli. After sun exposure for 0, 8, 16 and 24 h, the cysts remained viable and without any perceptible impairment in their ability to excyst. 3 and 5.5 log CFU/mL of P. aeruginosa were detected in water containing untreated and treated cysts, respectively, after 3 days of incubation at 30 °C. The batch-SODIS process is unable to inactivate A. castellanii cysts as well as its internalized bacteria. Although the use of batch SODIS by communities should continue to be encouraged, SODIS-disinfected water should be consumed within 3 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Microbiological Analyses, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, 2600, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Gertrudes Corção
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Microbiological Analyses, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, 2600, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | | | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Microbiological Analyses, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, 2600, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.
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Abdul Halim R, Mohd Hussain RH, Aazmi S, Halim H, Ahmed Khan N, Siddiqui R, Shahrul Anuar T. Molecular characterisation and potential pathogenicity analysis of Acanthamoeba isolated from recreational lakes in Peninsular Malaysia. J Water Health 2023; 21:1342-1356. [PMID: 37756200 PMCID: wh_2023_186 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify the Acanthamoeba genotypes and their pathogenic potential in three recreational lakes in Malaysia. Thirty water samples were collected by purposive sampling between June and July 2022. Physical parameters of water quality were measured in situ while chemical and microbiological analyses were performed in the laboratory. The samples were vacuum filtered through nitrate filter, cultured onto non-nutrient agar and observed microscopically for amoebic growth. DNAs from positive samples were extracted and made to react with polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Physiological tolerance tests were performed for all Acanthamoeba-positive samples. The presence of Acanthamoeba was found in 26 of 30 water samples by PCR. The highest rate in lake waters contaminated with amoeba was in Biru Lake (100%), followed by Titiwangsa Lake (80%) and Shah Alam Lake (80%). ORP, water temperature, pH and DO were found to be significantly correlated with the presence of Acanthamoeba. The most common genotype was T4. Temperature- and osmo-tolerance tests showed that 8 (30.8%) of the genotypes T4, T9 and T11 were highly pathogenic. The presence of genotype T4 in habitats related to human activities supports the relevance of this amoeba as a potential public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohaya Abdul Halim
- Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - Rosnani Hanim Mohd Hussain
- Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shafiq Aazmi
- School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Microbiome Health and Environment (MiHeaRT), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hasseri Halim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey; College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Centre for Medical Laboratory Technology Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Microbiome Health and Environment (MiHeaRT), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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Karimi A, Kheirandish F, Javadi Mamaghani A, Taghipour N, Mousavi SF, Aghajani A, Zebardast N, Faraji M, Fallahi S. Identification and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. in the water resources of western Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 22:e00308. [PMID: 37638113 PMCID: PMC10450349 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acanthamoeba spp. is opportunistic amoeba that resides in water, soil, and air. Some pathogenic genotypes of the genus of Acanthamoeba can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in people with a defective immune system. The parasite can also cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) among contact lens users. This study was conducted to isolate and identify the Acanthamoeba genotypes in water resources in Lorestan province, western Iran. Methods Collected 72 water samples from surface and groundwater (springs and aqueducts) in Lorestan province. Samples were filtered and cultured in non-nutrient 1.5% agar medium covered with Escherichia coli (E. coli) at 25 °C. DNA extraction was done and the PCR reaction was performed to detect the Acanthamoeba spp. The positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba. Results Out of 72 examined water samples, 23.61% were positive for Acanthamoeba sp. by PCR. From PCR-positive samples, 8 (47.05%) samples were T4 genotypes and others were other Acanthamoeba genotypes (T1-T23). Therefore, approximately half of the genotypes belong to the pathogenic T4 genotype. Conclusions The water examined samples in western provinces of Iran have the potential risk factor for public health. Therefore, the efforts of healthcare providers are needed to identify, train, and prevention from human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Niloofar Taghipour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Syedeh Fatemeh Mousavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ali Aghajani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, faculty of medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Nozhat Zebardast
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Majid Faraji
- MSc in Parasitology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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de Souza Fernandes N, Caliari MV, Oliveira FMS, Neto ABC, Rodrigues IA, Furst C, Costa AO. Experimental keratitis induced in rat by Acanthamoeba from distinct morphological groups/genotypes: a histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1167-1175. [PMID: 36922408 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Species of the genus Acanthamoeba are free-living protozoans that occasionally act as parasites, causing a severe, progressive corneal infection termed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The variable pathogenic potential among Acanthamoeba lineages has been shown by in vitro assays, but little is known about the behavior of different strains in animal models of AK. This work aimed to evaluate the infectivity of Acanthamoeba from distinct morphological groups and genotypes in a rat model of AK and apply an immunohistochemical technique for histological characterization of the lesions. Only a strain classified as group I/genotype T17, isolated from a soil source, caused ulcerated corneal lesions in two Wistar rats (n = 9) subjected to intrastromal inoculation. Two strains derived from AK human cases (group II/genotype T4 and group III/genotype T5) did not induce corneal lesions in the rats. A previous association of group II/genotype T4 trophozoites with lethally irradiated Escherichia coli did not influence the infectivity. A hyperimmune serum produced in Wistar rats was validated by an immunocytochemical technique using the three distinct strains and then applied for immunohistochemistry. The abundance of antigenic residues was observed in both corneas with keratitis, suggesting that the infectious process tended to resolve. Despite the low infection rate of the AK Wistar rat model, we produced an immunochemical tool with a potential diagnostic application. We also showed for the first time the ability of Acanthamoeba from T17 genotype to cause AK in experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto de Souza Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Vidigal Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Marcos Silva Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Isabela Aurora Rodrigues
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Furst
- Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Gholipour S, Nikaeen M, Rabbani D, Mohammadi F, Manesh RM, Besharatipour N, Bina B. Occurrence of enteric and non-enteric microorganisms in coastal waters impacted by anthropogenic activities: A multi-route QMRA for swimmers. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 188:114716. [PMID: 36860014 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbial characteristics of coastal waters which are impacted by anthropogenic pollution as well as estimate the health risks associated with exposure to enteric and non-enteric microorganisms during swimming. Fecal indicator bacteria were highly detected in samples. Moreover, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms were found, with the highest frequency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Adenovirus 40/41, Acanthamoeba spp., Salmonella enterica, and Cryptosporidium parvum. The median risk of gastrointestinal illness through ingestion of water was estimated to be above the benchmark value of 0.05 per event recommended by WHO. Cryptosporidium followed by Adenovirus, showed higher illness risks than Salmonella. The potential risks of Acanthamoeba and P. aeruginosa were estimated to be low for both dermal and ocular exposure routes. However, there are uncertainties about the infectious fraction of pathogens existing in coastal waters and the delivered dose of microorganisms from dermal/ocular exposure during recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Davarkhah Rabbani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadi Manesh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nayereh Besharatipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bijan Bina
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Stahl LM, Olson JB. Investigating the interactive effects of temperature, pH, and salinity on Naegleria fowleri persistence. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2023; 70:e12964. [PMID: 36709487 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a deadly infection that occurs when free-living amoebae enter the nose via freshwater and travel to the brain. N. fowleri naturally thrives in freshwater and soil and is thought to be associated with elevated water temperatures. While environmental and laboratory studies have sought to identify what environmental factors influence its presence, many questions remain. This study investigated the interactive effects of temperature, pH, and salinity on N. fowleri in deionized and environmental waters. Three temperatures (15, 25, 35°C), pH values (6.5, 7.5, 8.5), and salinity concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% NaCl) were used to evaluate the growth of N. fowleri via ATP luminescent assays. Results indicated N. fowleri grew best at 25°C, and multiple interactive effects occurred between abiotic factors. Interactions varied slightly by water type but were largely driven by temperature and salinity. Lower temperature increased N. fowleri persistence at higher salinity levels, while low salinity (0.5% NaCl) supported N. fowleri growth at all temperatures. This research provided an experimental approach to assess interactive effects influencing the persistence of N. fowleri. As climate change impacts water temperatures and conditions, understanding the microbial ecology of N. fowleri will be needed minimize pathogen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigha M Stahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Julie B Olson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Leal dos Santos D, Chaúque BJM, Virginio VG, Cossa VC, Pettan-Brewer C, Schrekker HS, Rott MB. Occurrence of Naegleria fowleri and their implication for health - a look under the One Health approaches. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 246:114053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Chaúque BJM, Dos Santos DL, Anvari D, Rott MB. Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022. [PMID: 36040629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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Aykur M, Dirim Erdogan D, Selvi Gunel N, Guler A, Biray Avci C, Celebisoy N, Gunduz C, Dagci H. Genotyping and Molecular Identification of Acanthamoeba Genotype T4 and Naegleria fowleri from Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples of Patients in Turkey: Is it the Pathogens of Unknown Causes of Death? Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1372-1383. [PMID: 35864411 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed to investigate the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in suspected cases of meningoencephalitis with unknown causes of death in Turkey. METHOD A total of 92 patients, who were diagnosed as meningoencephalitis, were enrolled. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were directly microscopically examined and cultured. Acanthamoeba, N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris were further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including real-time PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS The examined CSF samples were not found positive for the presence of FLA by microscopic examination and culture method. However, two CSF samples were detected positive by real-time PCR assay. Of the positive CSF samples, one was identified as Acanthamoeba genotype T4 and the second positive sample was identified as N. fowleri belonging to genotype II. Furthermore, the pathogens diagnoses was verified through Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSION This study was significant to report the presence of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 and N. fowleri genotype II in CSF samples by real-time PCR assay. The present study shows the significance of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) as one of the differential diagnoses to be considered by clinicians during the evaluation of suspected meningoencephalitis or cases of unknown cause in Turkey. Using real-time PCR, this has made the rapid detection, in a short time-frame, of Acanthamoeba and N. fowleri in CSF samples from patients. The problems with qPCR is that it is not available in every laboratory, reagents are expensive, and it requires skilled and expert personnel to set up these assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, PO Box 60030, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Derya Dirim Erdogan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nur Selvi Gunel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Guler
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cigir Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nese Celebisoy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
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Nageeb MM, Eldeek HEM, Attia RAH, Sakla AA, Alkhalil SS, Farrag HMM. Isolation and morphological and molecular characterization of waterborne free-living amoebae: Evidence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae in Assiut, Upper Egypt. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267591. [PMID: 35802617 PMCID: PMC9269480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are gaining attention due to the increasing number of related grave central nervous system (CNS) and sight-threatening eye infections and their role as Trojan horses for many bacteria and viruses. This study was conducted in Assiut City, Egypt to detect the presence of FLA in different water sources using morphological and molecular approaches and determine their potential pathogenicity. A total of 188 water samples (100 tap, 80 tank, and 8 swimming pool samples) were collected, cultivated on non-nutrient agar seeded with Escherichia coli, and inspected for FLA. Thermo- and osmo-tolerance assays were performed to determine their pathogenicity. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis were performed to confirm the identification and analyze the genotype. Overall, 52 samples (27.7%) were positive for FLA. Of these, 20.7% were identified as Acanthamoeba, 1.6% as Vahlkampfiidae, and 5.3% as mixed Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae. Seven species of Acanthamoeba were recognized, of which A. triangularis, A. polyphaga, A. lenticulata, and A. culbertsoni are thermo- and osmo-tolerant, and A. astronyxis, A. comandoni, and A. echinulata are non-thermo- and non-osmo-tolerant. The phylogeny analysis revealed T4 and T7 genotypes. Among Vahlkampfiids, 61.5% were identified as thermo- and osmo-tolerant Vahlkampfia, and 30.8% were identified as non-pathogenic Naegleria. One isolate (7.7%) was identified as potentially pathogenic Allovahlkampfia, as confirmed by sequencing. This is the first report documenting the occurrence and phylogeny of waterborne FLA (Acanthamoeba/Vahlkampfiidae) in Assiut, Egypt. The presence of potentially pathogenic FLA highlights the possible health hazards and the need for preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M. Nageeb
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hanan E. M. Eldeek
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Rasha A. H. Attia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Atef A. Sakla
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Samia S. Alkhalil
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haiam Mohamed Mahmoud Farrag
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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Ekici A, Alkan S, Aydemir S, Gurbuz E, Unlu AH. Trends in Naegleria fowleri global research: A bibliometric analysis study. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106603. [PMID: 35817194 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is one of the most dangerous protozoan agents. This article describes a bibliometric review of the literature on N. fowleri research indexed in WoS during a 51-year period. The VOSviewer visualization methodology was used to conduct a bibliometric study. The data included articles from the Web of Science database, nations, institutions, journals, keywords, co-authorship, co-citations, international collaborations, and citation rates. A total of 1106 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The articles were cited 21,904 times in total (cited 12,138 times without self-citations). The average citation per article was 19.82. The Hirsch index was 63. The leading country according to the number of published articles was the United States of America (USA) (n = 447; 40.416%), followed by Mexico (n = 80; 7.233%), and Australia (n = 63; 5.696%). Other than these top three countries, the publications were from 74 countries globally. Especially after the 2000s, both the number of citations and the number of publications exhibited an increasing trend. The Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) (9.584%), Centers for Disease Control Prevention (USA) (8.770%), and Instituto Politecnico Nacional Mexico (4.069%) were the leading affiliations. Most of the leading affiliations were from the USA and Mexico. In conclusion, a bibliometric evaluation of N. fowleri was performed for the first time. Authors affiliated with institutions in the USA and Mexico have led scientific production on PAM. Efforts should be made to help developing countries with the highest prevalence of N. fowleri to develop scientific research networks with the USA and/or Mexico in order to increase research with interdisciplinary teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdurrahman Ekici
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van, Turkey.
| | - Sevil Alkan
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Selahattin Aydemir
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van, Turkey
| | - Esra Gurbuz
- SBU Van Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Van, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hakan Unlu
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Vocational School of Gevas, Division of Veterinary, Van, Turkey
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15
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Oncel K, Karaagac L, Dagcı H, Aykur M. Real-Time PCR Confirmation of a Fatal Case of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Turkey Caused by Naegleria fowleri or Brain-Eating Amoeba. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:697-704. [PMID: 35020127 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is a free-living amoeba. It is a water-borne infection usually detected in children and young people with healthy immune system who swim, dive and perform activities in fresh and hot springs. PURPOSE In this study, it was aimed to raise awareness in the differential diagnosis of meningitis etiopathogenesis by showing that N. fowleri may also be the causative agent, albeit very rarely, in meningitis cases in Turkey. METHODS Our case was an 18-year-old male patient whose relatives stated that he has gone to the hot spring; his headache complaint started after 2 to 3 days after return from the hot spring. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample taken from the patient was investigated by direct microscopic examination, real-time PCR method and sequence analysis. RESULTS The CSF sample collected was taken into distilled water considering the possibility of transformation of trophozoites to intermediate form and incubated at 37 °C for 1 to 2 h, and pear-shaped non-permanent flagellated forms were observed in the direct microscopic examination, and molecular typing was performed to confirm the diagnosis. This study was a comprehensive case of N. fowleri whose etiological agent was isolated and confirmed by real-time PCR in Turkey. CONCLUSION Clinician awareness would be the key factor in correctly diagnosing PAM. It is also recommended to investigate all likely environmental water sources in Turkey for more detailed information on the distribution and molecular identification of Naegleria species, ultimately to evaluate the potential pathogenic threat to human health and to develop strategies to combat such threats.
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Kaufman AR, Tu EY. Advances in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis: A review of the literature and synthesized algorithmic approach. Ocul Surf 2022; 25:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Javanmard E, Niyyati M, Taghipour A, Fatemi M, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Isolation and identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba in drinking, surface, and stagnant water sources from Alborz Province, Iran. J Water Health 2022; 20:620-629. [PMID: 35482379 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebas (FLAs) can cause neurological and ocular complications in humans. Water supplies play a critical role in transmitting FLAs to humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of FLAs in various aquatic sources including drinking water, stagnant water, and surface water in Alborz province, northern Iran, using morphological and molecular techniques. A total of 70 water samples were collected from 34 drinking waters, 23 surface waters, and 13 stagnant waters. Filtration and cultivation were employed to isolate FLAs. PCR assay was applied by using the genus-specific primers on positive samples. Pathogenicity tests (osmo- and thermo-tolerance properties) were performed for Acanthamoeba spp., positive sample. Considering the morphological criteria, four positive samples of Acanthamoeba sp., three Vermamoeba sp., two mixed Vermamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids, and one mixed Acanthamoeba sp. with Vahlkamfiids were isolated. Five Acanthamoeba sp. isolates were amplified using the JDP primer pairs. Among them, two genotypes, T4 (three isolates) and T5 (two isolates) corresponding to A. lenticulata, were identified. Four V. vermiformis samples were confirmed using the sequencing. This study highlighted the occurrence of potentially pathogenic waterborne FLAs in water habitats associated with high human activity. The results of such research on the prevalence of FLAs, as a human hazard, should be communicated to health policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail: ;
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Marziye Fatemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail: ;
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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