Abstract
Many case reports emphasize the fact that Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) can relatively easily get in contact with humans or animals. The presence of several facultative parasitic FLA in habitats related to human activities supports their public health relevance. While some strains of Acanthamoeba,Naegleria fowleri,Balamuthia mandrillarisand several other FLA have been described as facultative human pathogens, it remains controversial whetherVermamoeba vermiformisstrains may have a pathogenic potential, or whether this FLA is just an incidental contaminant in a range of human cases. However, several cases support its role as a human parasite, either as the only etiological agent, or in combination with other pathogens. Additionally, a wide range of FLA is known as vectors of microorganisms (endocytobionts), hereby emphasizing their environmental significance. Among those FLA serving as hosts for and vectors of (pathogenic) endocytobionts, there are also descriptions ofV. vermiformisas a vehicle and a reservoir of those endocytobionts. The involvement in animal and human health, the role as vector of pathogenic microorganisms and the pathogenicity in cell cultures, led to the assumption thatV. vermiformisshould be considered relevant in terms of public health and environmental health.
Highlights
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are predatory heterotrophic protozoa, feeding as trophozoites on bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi and algae through phagocytosis while adhering to surfaces [1]
While some strains of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and several other Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) have been described as facultative human pathogens, it remains controversial whether Vermamoeba vermiformis strains may have a pathogenic potential, or whether this FLA is just an incidental contaminant in a range of human cases
V. vermiformis is certainly another FLA to be considered as a potential parasite of humans or animals and as a vector of encocytobionts
Summary
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are predatory heterotrophic protozoa, feeding as trophozoites on bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi and algae through phagocytosis while adhering to surfaces [1]. The presence of pathogenic FLA in habitats related to human activities supports the public health relevance of these protozoa. While those FLA genera or strains are well-known parasites of humans and animals, the discussion about the public health and environmental health relevance of V. vermiformis is still ongoing. Smirnov et al and Page renamed this FLA as Vermamoeba vermiformis for both,. The impact of V. vermiformis on humans and animals was analysed. The key words used within the literature search were: “Vermamoeba vermiformis”, “Hartmannella vermiformis”. Those relevant publications dealing with V. (H.) vermiformis were included in this review
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