Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoan that is widely distributed in the environment and can cause human infections. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of an infective trophozoite form. However under harsh environmental conditions trophozoites differentiate into a double-walled, metabolically inactive and resistant cyst form. Research in Acanthamoeba has mostly focussed on the infective trophozoite form and its pathogenic mechanisms. In this study, we used Acanthamoeba isolates belonging to T1, T2, T3, T4, T7 genotypes and studied their cysts properties. We determined that food deprivation stimulates encystment in Acanthamoeba isolates belonging to T1, T2, T3, T4 and T7 genotypes in a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-resistant manner. In addition, increase in osmolarity triggered encystment in T1, T2, T3, T4 isolates (SDS-resistant) but T7 failed to encyst (SDS-labile). Adhesion assays revealed that Acanthamoeba cysts belonging to T1, T2, T3, T4, and T7 genotypes exhibited no and/or minimal binding (<5%) to the host cells. Fluorescein-labelled lectins showed that all Acanthamoeba isolates tested exhibited binding to concanavalin A, indicating the expression of mannosyl- and/or glucosyl-residues. Role of cysts in the transmission of infection is discussed further.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
