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Extracerebral infections of Acanthamoeba spp. in mice. pathomorphological changes in tissues of infected animals
T Mazur1, L Gustowska, E Hadaś
1Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań.
Abstract:
A variety of Acanthamoeba spp. pathogenic strains were isolated from water pools in the area of Poznań. In many cases amoebae invaded lungs, kidney heart, liver and diaphragm causing significant changes in these Organs. The presence of amoeba outside of CNS was found mainly in the early periods of infection. Amoeba isolated from different organs of dead animals did not exhibit any specificity in relation to the organs in following infections. Infection with both low-and high-virulent strains resulted in pathomorphological changes of similar character. However, changes induced by low-virulent parasites developed later and were less extensive.
Insights
Pathogenic Acanthamoeba species from Poznań water pools invaded multiple organs in animals, causing significant damage. Virulence affected the speed and extent of these pathomorphological changes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous protozoa found in various environments.
- Pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba can cause severe infections in humans and animals.
- Water bodies can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic Acanthamoeba.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains from water pools in Poznań.
- To investigate the organ invasion patterns and pathomorphological changes caused by Acanthamoeba in experimentally infected animals.
- To compare the effects of low-virulent and high-virulent Acanthamoeba strains on host tissues.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culturing of Acanthamoeba strains from environmental water samples.
- Experimental infection of animals with isolated Acanthamoeba strains.
- Histopathological examination of various organs (lungs, kidney, heart, liver, diaphragm) to assess tissue damage.
- Microscopic analysis to determine the presence and distribution of amoebae within organs.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains were successfully isolated from Poznań water pools.
- Amoebae invaded multiple organs, including lungs, kidney, heart, liver, and diaphragm, leading to significant pathological alterations.
- Amoebae were predominantly found outside the central nervous system (CNS) in the early stages of infection.
- No organ specificity was observed for Acanthamoeba invasion in subsequent infections.
- Both low- and high-virulent strains induced similar types of pathomorphological changes, although those caused by low-virulent strains appeared later and were less severe.
Conclusions:
- Water pools in Poznań harbor pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains capable of causing systemic infections in animals.
- Acanthamoeba infection can lead to widespread organ damage, with the extent and progression influenced by parasite virulence.
- Understanding the environmental sources and pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba is crucial for public health and veterinary medicine.
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