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Published on: September 20, 2024
The genotypic characterisation of Acanthamoeba isolates from human ocular samples
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France. helene.yera@cch.aphp.fr
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Acanthamoeba genotype T4 was identified as the sole cause of keratitis in this study. This genotype was also prevalent in non-pathogenic isolates from patients with suspected Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Investigated 37 amoebae isolates from patients with suspected Acanthamoeba keratitis.
- Sources included corneal scrapings, contact lenses, and lens case solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and genotype amoebae associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis.
- To determine the specific Acanthamoeba genotypes responsible for causing keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Isolates identified using morphology and PCR of the Acanthamoeba nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene.
- Genotyping performed via DNA sequence analysis.
Main Results:
- 37 isolates included 35 Acanthamoeba, 1 Hartmannella, and 1 Vahlkampfia.
- Ten Acanthamoeba isolates were confirmed as causative agents of keratitis.
- Genotype T4 was the only Acanthamoeba genotype linked to keratitis.
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba genotype T4 is the sole etiological agent of keratitis in this cohort.
- Genotype T4 accounted for 79% of the non-pathogenic isolates studied.
