Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is the genus of free-living amoebae that is most frequently isolated in nature. To date, 20 Acanthamoeba genotypes have been described. Genotype T4 is responsible for approximately 90% of encephalitis and keratitis cases. Due to the ubiquitous presence of amoebae, isolation from environmental sources is not uncommon; to determine the clinical importance of an isolation, it is necessary to have evidence of the pathogenic potential of amoebae.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to physiologically characterise 8 Acanthamoeba T4 isolates obtained from dental units and emergency combination showers and to determine their pathogenic potential by employing different laboratory techniques.METHODSEight axenic cultures of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 were used in pathogenic potential assays. Osmotolerance, thermotolerance, determination and characterisation of extracellular proteases and evaluation of cytopathic effects in MDCK cells were performed.FINDINGSAll of the isolates were osmotolerant, thermotolerant and had serine proteases from 44-122 kDa. Two isolates had cytopathic effects on the MDCK cell monolayer.MAIN CONCLUSIONThe presence of Acanthamoeba T4 with pathogenic potential in areas such as those tested in this study reaffirms the need for adequate cleaning and maintenance protocols to reduce the possibility of infection with free-living amoebae.
Highlights
Acanthamoeba is the genus of free-living amoebae that is most frequently isolated in nature
Samples were obtained from dental units (DU3, DU4, DU5, DU6, DU8, DU12) (Retana-Moreira et al 2015) and emergency combination showers (CSU7 and CSUT7)
Acanthamoeba is the genus of free-living amoebae (FLA) most frequently found in nature; not every species or genotype is able to produce damage to a host (Schuster & Visvesvara 2004)
Summary
Acanthamoeba is the genus of free-living amoebae that is most frequently isolated in nature. Genotype T4 is responsible for approximately 90% of encephalitis and keratitis cases. Due to the ubiquitous presence of amoebae, isolation from environmental sources is not uncommon; to determine the clinical importance of an isolation, it is necessary to have evidence of the pathogenic potential of amoebae
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