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Secondary amoebic eye infections in mice due to Acanthamoeba sp
T Mazur1, E Hadaś, L Gustowska
1Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of eye infections accompanying the infection of the central nervous system and to demonstrate the possible tissue affinity of different strains of amoebae in subsequent infections. The results obtained demonstrate a clear correlation between the occurrence of eye infection and the degree of virulence of the strains. Amoebae isolated from eyeballs and other organs of dead mice did not exhibit any specificity in relation to the organs in subsequent infections. Irrespective of the place of isolation--be it eye or brain--in the subsequent passages, the amoebae were most often found in the brain and lungs, followed only then by the eye of the infected animals.
Insights
This study found that virulent amoebae strains can cause both eye and central nervous system infections. Amoebae showed no organ specificity, frequently infecting the brain and lungs in subsequent passages.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) infections can be accompanied by ocular manifestations.
- Amoebae are known to cause various infections, including those affecting the CNS and eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the co-occurrence of eye infections with CNS infections caused by amoebae.
- To determine the tissue tropism of different amoebic strains in experimental infections.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of mice with different strains of amoebae.
- Monitoring for the development of CNS and eye infections.
- Isolation and subsequent passage of amoebae from infected organs.
Main Results:
- A correlation was observed between the virulence of amoebic strains and the incidence of eye infections.
- Amoebae isolated from various organs, including the eye and brain, did not display organ specificity in subsequent infections.
- In repeated passages, amoebae were predominantly found in the brain and lungs, with eye infections occurring less frequently.
Conclusions:
- Virulent amoebic strains can lead to concurrent CNS and eye infections.
- Amoebae exhibit a broad tissue affinity, with a predilection for the brain and lungs, regardless of the initial site of isolation.
