Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, the concern of Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased since the infection is often associated with contact lens use. Partial 18S rRNA genotypic identification of Acanthamoeba isolates is important to correlate with pathophysiological properties in order to evaluate the degree of virulence. This is the first report of genotypic identification for clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba from corneal scrapings of keratitis in Malaysia. This study is also the first to correlate the mRNA expression of MBP and AhLBP as virulent markers for axenic strains of Acanthamoeba.ResultsIn this study, ten clinical isolates were obtained from corneal scrapings. Rns genotype and intra-genotypic variation at the DF3 region of the isolates were identified. Results revealed that all clinical isolates belonged to the T4 genotype, with T4/6 (4 isolates), T4/2 (3 isolates), T4/16 (2 isolates) and one new genotype T4 sequence (T4/36), being determined. The axenic clinical isolates were cytopathogenic to rabbit corneal fibroblasts. MBP and AhLBP mRNA expression are directly correlated to Acanthamoeba cytopathic effect.ConclusionsAll ten Malaysian clinical isolates were identified as genotype T4 which is predominantly associated with AK. Measuring the mRNA expression of Acanthamoeba virulent markers could be useful in the understanding of the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Highlights
In recent years, the concern of Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased since the infection is often associated with contact lens use
Identification of Acanthamoeba In this study, all the Malaysian clinical isolates from corneal scrapings were identified as 18S rRNA (Rns) genotype T4
All clinical isolates from corneal scrapings were assigned to genotype T4, providing evidence to support the genotype T4 as a dominant sequence associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in Malaysia
Summary
The concern of Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased since the infection is often associated with contact lens use. Partial 18S rRNA genotypic identification of Acanthamoeba isolates is important to correlate with pathophysiological properties in order to evaluate the degree of virulence This is the first report of genotypic identification for clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba from corneal scrapings of keratitis in Malaysia. AK is a rare but sight-threatening corneal infection which is caused by the free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba [1]. These organisms are widely distributed in the air, soil, water and domestic water tap, etc. The increasing use of contact lenses for visual and cosmetic purposes, combined with improper cleaning and storage practices could be the reason for the increase in the number of AK
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
