Free-living Amoebae Research Articles

Characterization of the extracellular vesicles, ultrastructural morphology, and intercellular interactions of multiple clinical isolates of the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri.

As global temperatures rise to unprecedented historic levels, so too do the latitudes of habitable niches for the pathogenic free-living amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. This opportunistic parasite causes a rare, but >97% fatal, neurological infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Despite its lethality, this parasite remains one of the most neglected and understudied parasitic protozoans. To better understand amoeboid intercellular communication, we elucidate the structure, proteome, and potential secretion mechanisms of amoeba-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-bound communication apparatuses that relay messages and can be used as biomarkers for diagnostics in various diseases. Herein we propose that N. fowleri secretes EVs in clusters from the plasma membrane, from multivesicular bodies, and via beading of thin filaments extruding from the membrane. Uptake assays demonstrate that EVs are taken up by other amoebae and mammalian cells, and we observed a real-time increase in metabolic activity for mammalian cells exposed to EVs from amoebae. Proteomic analysis revealed >2,000 proteins within the N. fowleri-secreted EVs, providing targets for the development of diagnostics or therapeutics. Our work expands the knowledge of intercellular interactions among these amoebae and subsequently deepens the understanding of the mechanistic basis of PAM.

First report of free-living amoebae in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are amphizoic protozoans with a cosmopolitan distribution. Some strains of species are associated with infections in humans. They feed on microorganisms by phagocytosis; however, some of these can become endocytobionts by resisting this process and taking shelter inside the amoeba. The whole world is experiencing increasing shortage of water, and sewage is being reused, so the study of this environment is important in public health context. The objective of this work was to identify FLA present in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, Brazil. About 1 L samples were collected from eight stations (raw and treated sewage) in January, February, July, and August 2022. The samples were sown in monoxenic culture, and the isolated amoebae were subjected to morphological and molecular identification. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of the genus Acanthamoeba in 100% of the samples. Gene sequencing showed the presence of Acanthamoeba lenticulata and Acanthamoeba polyphaga - T5 and T4 genotypes - respectively, which are related to pathogenicity. The environment where the sewage is released can be used in recreational activities, exposing individuals to potential interactions with these amoebae and their potential endocytobionts, which may pose risks to public health.

Development and Sensitivity Determination of 18S rRNA Gene-specific Fast Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Rapid Detection of Acanthamoeba.

Acanthamoeba, one of the free-living amoeba, has been detected in many environmental samples, mainly in water, soil and air. Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis are among the most important clinical manifestations caused by Acanthamoeba. In this study, it was aimed to determine the sensitivity of the rapid loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test designed with primers specific to Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA gene to detect more rapidly the presence of Acanthamoeba in clinical and environmental samples. Acanthamoeba strain grown in culture was diluted in 200 μL as 1x106 trophozoites and DNA was isolated, and the amount of DNA was determined by Nano-Drop Spectrophotometer. The purified DNAs were diluted from 1000 pg to 0.001 pg and used in colorimetric and fluorescence-based LAMP reactions. The LAMP reaction mixture was incubated for 60 minutes at 63 °C in a total volume of 25 μL. To determine the sensitivity of the test, positivity of Acanthamoeba genomic DNA was observed at 1, 10, 100 and 1000 pg/reaction in both colorimetric and fluorescence-based LAMP tests. The lowest analytical sensitivity of both calorimetric and fluorescent LAMP assay was determined as 1 pg/reaction. In addition, as a result of LAMP reaction applied with other parasite DNAs to evaluate the specificity of the test, no LAMP product was detected in calorimetric and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, except for positive control, and the specificity of the test was determined as 100%. It has been demonstrated that the LAMP assay designed by targeting 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba has a detection limit of 1 pg of genomic DNA. It is promising that LAMP test is more sensitive and faster than culture method, as well as simple, inexpensive and highly sensitive. For this reason, it is thought that developed test can be applied in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba in environmental and clinical samples.

The anti-amoebic potential of carboxamide derivatives containing sulfonyl or sulfamoyl moieties against brain-eating Naegleria fowleri.

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living thermophilic flagellate amoeba that causes a rare but life-threatening infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with a very high fatality rate. Herein, the anti-amoebic potential of carboxamide derivatives possessing sulfonyl or sulfamoyl moiety was assessed against pathogenic N. fowleri using amoebicidal, cytotoxicity and cytopathogenicity assays. The results from amoebicidal experiments showed that derivatives dramatically reduced N. fowleri viability. Selected derivatives demonstrated IC50 values at lower concentrations; 1j showed IC50 at 24.65 μM, while 1k inhibited 50% amoebae growth at 23.31 μM. Compounds with significant amoebicidal effects demonstrated limited cytotoxicity against human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Finally, some derivatives mitigated N. fowleri-instigated host cell death. Ultimately, this study demonstrated that 1j and 1k exhibited potent anti-amoebic activity and ought to be looked at in future studies for the development of therapeutic anti-amoebic pharmaceuticals. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical relevance of our findings.

Identification of an Antimicrobial Protease from Acanthamoeba via a Novel Zymogram

Proteases play a role in different processes for protozoans and for the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba. Some of these processes are related to pathogenicity and to encystment. In this study we describe the discovery of a protease with antimicrobial activity produced by Acanthamoeba. To identify it, we developed a novel zymogram using bacteria as an in-gel substrate that can help identify proteins capable of bacterial degradation. We used chromatography to isolate the proteases and showed that it quickly degrades in the environment. Additionally, we identified overexpressed proteases during encystment. The study of proteases from Acanthamoeba can serve several purposes including new antimicrobial proteins that the amoeba can use for potentially predigesting prokaryotes. Secondly, it can help with the identification of potential new therapies against Acanthamoeba infection.

Functional annotation and comparative genomics analysis of Balamuthia mandrillaris reveals potential virulence-related genes

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a pathogenic protozoan that causes a rare but almost always fatal infection of the central nervous system and, in some cases, cutaneous lesions. Currently, the genomic data for this free-living amoeba include the description of several complete mitochondrial genomes. In contrast, two complete genomes with draft quality are available in GenBank, but none of these have a functional annotation. In the present study, the complete genome of B. mandrillaris isolated from a freshwater artificial lagoon was sequenced and assembled, obtaining an assembled genome with better assembly quality parameter values than the currently available genomes. Afterward, the genome mentioned earlier, along with strains V039 and 2046, were subjected to functional annotation. Finally, comparative genomics analysis was performed, and it was found that homologous genes in the core genome potentially involved in the virulence of Acanthamoeba spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi. Moreover, eleven of fifteen genes were identified in the three strains described as potential target genes to develop new treatment approaches for B. mandrillaris infections. These results describe proteins in this protozoan's complete genome and help prioritize which target genes could be used to develop new treatments.

Microbiome of Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) Isolated from Fresh Organic Produce: Potential Risk to Consumers?

In response to growing global interest in organic agriculture, this study delves into the microbial landscape of organically grown raw produce with a focus on food safety. Vegetables that are consumed raw are potential vehicles for the transmission of any type of microorganism capable of causing human disease. Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa found in many ecosystems and can serve as hosts to pathogenic bacteria. So far, data regarding the FLA bacterial microbiome in fresh produce remain scarce and are non-existent for those of organic origin. Thus, the aim of this preliminary work is to characterize the microbiome of FLA in commonly consumed raw vegetables to know their possible implications for consumers. A total of 40 organic cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and strawberry samples were analyzed. FLA were found in all samples, and their bacterial microbiome was obtained via amplicon sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform and pair-end protocol. Acanthamoeba spp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis were identified via qPCR in 65.0% and 25.0% of the samples, respectively. Regarding the bacterial microbiome of FLA, the most abundant genera were Pseudomonas (1.8-17.8%) and Flavobacterium (1.7-12.6%). Bacteria not previously related to FLA, such as Prosthecobacter or Cellvibrio, are described in this work. Importantly, several bacterial genera found within the FLA microbiome were identified as potential human pathogens, including Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Arcobacter, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium, Salmonella and Legionella. This is the first work in which FLA microbiome isolated from organic products has been characterized, underscoring the significance of understanding FLA's role as carriers of pathogenic bacteria in the context of organic food safety.

Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis.

Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. In the final phase of infection (24 dpi), there was a further decrease in urinary K excretion and a lower level of P in Acanthamoeba sp. infected immunocompetent hosts. During acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts, increased excretion of Zn, Fe, and Cr was observed at the beginning of the infection, and increased Na excretion only at 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. Additionally, host immunosuppression affected the concentration of Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca in urine.

On predatory fungi feeding on free-living amoebae harbouring yeast-like endoparasites.

Amoebae of the genus Vannella isolated from an ornamental fish aquarium were found to be infected with fungi. Upon plate culture, amoeba-trapping hyphal filaments were developed, and the amoeba trophozoites were found to harbour yeast-like parasites in their cytoplasm. Transfection of hyphae to a laboratory strain of Vannella resulted in the formation of conidia indicating the possible presence of zygomycetes of the genus Acaulopage, while efforts to culture the endoparasite remained unsuccessful. Biomolecular analysis based on rDNA revealed the presence of two distinct types of fungi, confirming the filamentous form as Acaulopage sp. (Zoopagomycota, Zoopagales) and identifying the yeast-like endoparasite as Cladosporium sp. (Ascomycota, Cladosporiales). To our knowledge, this is the first report of amoebae infected with Cladosporium.

Acanthamoeba castellanii Uncoupling Protein: A Complete Sequence, Activity, and Role in Response to Oxidative Stress.

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial inner membrane transporters that mediate free-fatty-acid-induced, purine-nucleotide-inhibited proton leak into the mitochondrial matrix, thereby uncoupling respiratory substrate oxidation from ATP synthesis. The aim of this study was to provide functional evidence that the putative Acucp gene of the free-living protozoan amoeba, A. castellanii, encodes the mitochondrial protein with uncoupling activity characteristic of UCPs and to investigate its role during oxidative stress. We report the sequencing and cloning of a complete Acucp coding sequence, its phylogenetic analysis, and the heterologous expression of AcUCP in the S. cerevisiae strain InvSc1. Measurements of mitochondrial respiratory activity and membrane potential indicate that the heterologous expression of AcUCP causes AcUCP-mediated uncoupling activity. In addition, in a model of oxidative stress with increased reactive oxygen species levels (superoxide dismutase 1 knockout yeasts), AcUCP expression strongly promotes cell survival and growth. The level of superoxide anion radicals is greatly reduced in the ΔSOD1 strain expressing AcUCP. These results suggest that AcUCP targeted to yeast mitochondria causes uncoupling and may act as an antioxidant system. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the A. castellanii UCP diverges very early from other UCPs, but clearly locates within the UCP subfamily rather than among other mitochondrial anion carrier proteins.

Repurposing of Nitroxoline as an Alternative Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Treatment.

Among the pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA), Naegleria fowleri is the etiological agent of a fatal disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Once infection begins, the lesions generated in the central nervous system (CNS) result in the onset of symptoms leading to death in a short period of time. Currently, there is no standardized treatment against the infection, which, due to the high virulence of the parasite, results in a high case fatality rate (>97%). Therefore, it is essential to search for new therapeutic sources that can generate a rapid elimination of the parasite. In recent years, there have already been several successful examples of drug repurposing, such as Nitroxoline, for which, in addition to its known bioactive properties, anti-Balamuthia activity has recently been described. Following this approach, the anti-Naegleria activity of Nitroxoline was tested. Nitroxoline displayed low micromolar activity against two different strains of N. fowleri trophozoites (IC50 values of 1.63 ± 0.37 µM and 1.17 ± 0.21 µM) and against cyst stages (IC50 of 1.26 ± 0.42 μM). The potent anti-parasitic activity compared to the toxicity produced (selectivity index of 3.78 and 5.25, respectively) in murine macrophages and human cell lines (reported in previous studies), together with the induction of programmed cell death (PCD)-related events in N. fowleri make Nitroxoline a great candidate for an alternative PAM treatment.

Bacterial microbiota management in free-living amoebae (Heterolobosea lineage) isolated from water: The impact of amoebae identity, grazing conditions, and passage number

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa mainly found in aquatic environments. They are well-known reservoirs and vectors for the transmission of amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB), most of which are pathogenic to humans. Yet, the natural bacterial microbiota associated with FLA remains largely unknown. Herein, we characterized the natural bacterial microbiota of different FLA species isolated from recreational waters in Guadeloupe.Monoxenic cultures of Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria sp. WTP3, Paravahlkampfia ustiana and Vahlkampfia sp. AK-2007 (Heterolobosea lineage) were cultivated under different grazing conditions, during successive passages. The whole bacterial microbiota of the waters and the amoebal cysts was characterized using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The culturable subset of ARB was analyzed by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), conventional 16S PCR, and disk diffusion method (to assess bacterial antibiotic resistance). Transmission electron microscopy was used to locate the ARB inside the amoebae.According to alpha and beta-diversity analyses, FLA bacterial microbiota were significantly different from the ones of their habitat. While Vogesella and Aquabacterium genera were detected in water, the most common ARB belonged to Pseudomonas, Bosea, and Escherichia/Shigella genera. The different FLA species showed both temporary and permanent associations with differentially bacterial taxa, suggesting host specificity. These associations depend on the number of passages and grazing conditions. Additionally, Naegleria, Vahlkampfia and Paravahlkampfia cysts were shown to naturally harbor viable bacteria of the Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Microbacterium genera, all being pathogenic to humans. To our knowledge, this is the first time Paravahlkampfia and Vahlkampfia have been demonstrated as hosts of pathogenic ARB in water.Globally, the persistence of these ARB inside resistant cysts represents a potential health risk. To ensure the continued safety of recreational waters, it is crucial to (i) regularly control both the amoebae and their ARB and (ii) improve knowledge on amoebae-bacteria interactions to establish better water management protocols.

A Case-Based Review of Free-living Amebic Human Infections and Diagnosis

Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba species are free-living amebae that are ubiquitously found in soil and water and can opportunistically cause invasive, deadly infections in humans. In this review, we present four patient cases due to free-living amebae and review the epidemiology and clinical significance of the diseases they cause. Specifically, primary amebic encephalitis due to N. fowleri, granulomatous amebic encephalitis due to B. mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba spp., keratitis due to Acanthamoeba spp., and non-central nervous system systemic infections (due to B. mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba spp.) are reviewed, and the clinical utility of microbiologic and histopathologic methods for diagnosing infections due to free-living amebae are compared.

First report of free-living amoebae in watercourses in southern Brazil: molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of Vermamoeba vermiformis, Naegleria gruberi, and Acanthamoeba spp.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa dispersed in different environments and are responsible for different infections caused to humans and other animals. Microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba sp., and Naegleria sp. are associated with diseases that affect the central nervous system, in addition to skin infections and keratitis, as occurs in the genus Acanthamoeba and with Vermamoeba vermiformis. Due to the concerns of these FLA in anthropogenic aquatic environments, this work aimed to identify these microorganisms present in waters of Porto Alegre, Brazil. One litre sample was collected in two watercourses during the summer of 2022 and inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates containing heat-inactivated Escherichia coli. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of FLA of the genera Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, and Naegleria in the study areas. Genetic sequencing indicated the presence of V. vermiformis and Naegleria gruberi. These aquatic and anthropogenic environments can serve as a means of spread and contamination by FLA, which gives valuable information on public health in the city.

Protozoan parasites and free-living amoebae contamination in organic leafy green vegetables and strawberries from Spain

In this study, the presence of Acanthamoeba spp., Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia sp., Toxoplasma gondii and Vermamoeba vermiformis was assessed in organic leafy green vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cabbage) and fruits (strawberry), which are usually consumed raw. A total of 110 organic samples were collected in Valencia (Spain). Protozoa were concentrated before detection by immunofluorescence (Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp.) or real-time qPCR (Acanthamoeba spp., Blastocystis sp., C. cayetanensis, E. histolytica, T. gondii and V. vermiformis). The most abundant protozoa in organic vegetables and berry fruits were Acanthamoeba (65.5%), followed by T. gondii (37.2%), V. vermiformis (17.3%), C. cayetanensis (12.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (6.8%), Blastocystis sp. (1.8%) and Giardia sp. (1.7%). E. histolytica was not found in any of the organic samples. Thus, results showed that consumers can be exposed to protozoan parasites by consuming organic vegetables and berry fruits. This is the first report in Spain describing the presence of the protozoan pathogens Acanthamoeba spp., Blastocystis sp., C. cayetanensis, T. gondii and V. vermiformis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. in organic fresh produce. The results of this research will help determine the risk of foodborne protozoan parasites on organic leafy greens and strawberries that are available at local markets.

Stagnation arising through intermittent usage is associated with increased viable but non culturable Legionella and amoeba hosts in a hospital water system.

Hospital water systems are a significant source of Legionella, resulting in the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease. One of the biggest challenges for Legionella management within these systems is that under unfavorable conditions Legionella transforms itself into a viable but non culturable (VBNC) state that cannot be detected using the standard methods. This study used a novel method (flow cytometry-cell sorting and qPCR [VFC+qPCR] assay) concurrently with the standard detection methods to examine the effect of temporary water stagnation, on Legionella spp. and microbial communities present in a hospital water system. Water samples were also analyzed for amoebae using culture and Vermamoeba vermiformis and Acanthamoeba specific qPCR. The water temperature, number and duration of water flow events for the hand basins and showers sampled was measured using the Enware Smart Flow® monitoring system. qPCR analysis demonstrated that 21.8% samples were positive for Legionella spp., 21% for L. pneumophila, 40.9% for V. vermiformis and 4.2% for Acanthamoeba. All samples that were Legionella spp. positive using qPCR (22%) were also positive for VBNC Legionella spp.; however, only 2.5% of samples were positive for culturable Legionella spp. 18.1% of the samples were positive for free-living amoebae (FLA) using culture. All samples positive for Legionella spp. were also positive for FLA. Samples with a high heterotrophic plate count (HPC ≥ 5 × 103 CFU/L) were also significantly associated with high concentrations of Legionella spp. DNA, VBNC Legionella spp./L. pneumophila (p < 0.01) and V. vermiformis (p < 0.05). Temporary water stagnation arising through intermittent usage (< 2 hours of usage per month) significantly (p < 0.01) increased the amount of Legionella spp. DNA, VBNC Legionella spp./L. pneumophila, and V. vermiformis; however, it did not significantly impact the HPC load. In contrast to stagnation, no relationship was observed between the microbes and water temperature. In conclusion, Legionella spp. (DNA and VBNC) was associated with V. vermiformis, heterotrophic bacteria, and stagnation occurring through intermittent usage. This is the first study to monitor VBNC Legionella spp. within a hospital water system. The high percentage of false negative Legionella spp. results provided by the culture method supports the use of either qPCR or VFC+qPCR to monitor Legionella spp. contamination within hospital water systems.

Identification and characterization of novel marine oxasqualenoid yucatecone against Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is an opportunistic protozoan, belonging to the free-living amoeba group, that can be found in warm water bodies. It is causative agent the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a fulminant disease with a rapid progression that affects the central nervous system. However, no 100% effective treatments are available and those that are currently used involve the appearance of severe side effects, therefore, there is an urgent need to find novel antiamoebic compounds with low toxicity. In this study, the in vitro activity of six oxasqualenoids obtained from the red algae Laurencia viridis was evaluated against two different strains of N. fowleri (ATCC® 30808 and ATCC® 30215) as well as their cytotoxicity against murine macrophages. Yucatecone was the molecule with the highest selectivity index (>2.98 and 5.23 respectively) and it was selected to continue with the cell death type determination assays. Results showed that yucatone induced programmed cell death like responses in treated amoebae causing DNA condensation and cellular membrane damage among others. In this family of oxasqualenoids, it seems that the most significative structural feature to induce activity against N. fowleri is the presence of a ketone at C-18. This punctual oxidation transforms an inactive compound into a lead compound as the yucatecone and 18-ketodehydrotyrsiferol with IC50 values of 16.25 and 12.70 μM, respectively. The assessment of in silico ADME/Tox analysis revealed that the active compounds showed good Human Oral Absorption and demonstrate that are found to be within the limit of approved drug parameter range. Hence, the study highlights promising potential of yucatone to be tested for therapeutic use against primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri in soil samples using quantitative real-time PCR assay in Turkey; Hidden danger in the soil!

Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri are pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) and are commonly found in the environment, particularly soil. This pathogenic FLA causes central nervous system-affecting granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) or primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and can also cause keratitis and skin infections. In the present study, we aimed to determine the quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in soil samples collected from places where human contact is high by using a qPCR assay in Izmir, Turkey. A total of 45.71% (n = 16) of Acanthamoeba spp., 20% (n = 7) of B. mandrillaris, and 17.4% (n = 6) of N. fowleri were detected in five different soil sources by the qPCR assay. The quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp., B. mandrillaris, and N. fowleri in various soil sources was calculated at 10 × 105 - 6 × 102, 47 × 104 to 39 × 103, and 9 × 103 – 8 × 102 plasmid copies/gr, respectively. While the highest quantitative concentration of Acanthamoeba spp. and B. mandrillaris was determined in garden soil samples, N. fowleri was detected in potting soil samples. Three different genotypes T2 (18.75%), T4 (56.25%), and T5 (25%) were identified from Acanthamoeba-positive soil samples. Acanthamoeba T4 genotype was the most frequently detected genotype from soil samples and is also the most common genotype to cause infection in humans and animals. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study to identify genotype T5 in soil samples from Turkey. In conclusion, people and especially children should be aware of the hidden danger in the garden and potting soil samples that come into contact most frequently. Public health awareness should be raised about human infections that may be encountered due to contact with the soil. Public health specialists should raise awareness about this hidden danger in soil.

Identification of novel anti-amoebic pharmacophores from kinase inhibitor chemotypes.

Acanthamoeba species, Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris are opportunistic pathogens that cause a range of brain, skin, eye, and disseminated diseases in humans and animals. These pathogenic free-living amoebae (pFLA) are commonly misdiagnosed and have sub-optimal treatment regimens which contribute to the extremely high mortality rates (>90%) when they infect the central nervous system. To address the unmet medical need for effective therapeutics, we screened kinase inhibitor chemotypes against three pFLA using phenotypic drug assays involving CellTiter-Glo 2.0. Herein, we report the activity of the compounds against the trophozoite stage of each of the three amoebae, ranging from nanomolar to low micromolar potency. The most potent compounds that were identified from this screening effort were: 2d (A. castellanii EC50: 0.92 ± 0.3 μM; and N. fowleri EC50: 0.43 ± 0.13 μM), 1c and 2b (N. fowleri EC50s: <0.63 μM, and 0.3 ± 0.21 μM), and 4b and 7b (B. mandrillaris EC50s: 1.0 ± 0.12 μM, and 1.4 ± 0.17 μM, respectively). With several of these pharmacophores already possessing blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability properties, or are predicted to penetrate the BBB, these hits present novel starting points for optimization as future treatments for pFLA-caused diseases.

Molecular evidence for a new lineage within the Acanthamoeba T4 genotype.

Acanthamoeba is a widespread free-living amoeba capable of causing serious infections in humans and other animals, such as amoebic keratitis, disseminated infections, and fatal encephalitis. Strain identification is usually based on 18S rDNA sequencing, which allows the distinction of over twenty genotypes. Most sequences from environmental and clinical samples belong to the T4 genotype, which can be divided into seven subtypes, T4A to T4G, and by a nearly similar grouping of mitochondrial sequences into T4a to T4j subtypes. The co-clustering of nuclear and mitochondrial groups can be very useful for a better identification of lineages within the very rich T4 genotype. In this study, we provided molecular phylogenetic evidence for the delineation of a new nuclear subtype, hereafter labelled T4H, and its co-clustering with the mitochondrial T4j subtype. At least three cases of amoebic keratitis are due to strains belonging to this new group, present mainly in fresh water and detected in various countries (France, Iran, India and China).