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Acanthamoeba T4 and T15 genotypes associated with keratitis infections in Italy

D Di Cave1, R Monno, P Bottalico

  • 1Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, Italy.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|December 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Acanthamoeba in Italian patients with eye infections, finding it in 13.6%. The T15 genotype, previously unlinked to human disease, was identified in amoebic keratitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba is a cause of severe microbial keratitis.
  • Data on Acanthamoeba prevalence in Italy is limited.
  • Understanding Acanthamoeba genotypes is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of Acanthamoeba in Italian patients with ocular infections.
  • To genetically characterize Acanthamoeba isolates from these patients.
  • To explore the clinical significance of different Acanthamoeba genotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ocular specimens and contact lens solutions from 140 patients.
  • Utilized culture methods for Acanthamoeba detection.
  • Employed 18S rRNA gene-based PCR for molecular characterization and genotyping.

Main Results:

  • Acanthamoeba was detected in 19 (13.6%) patients.
  • The T4 genotype was the most prevalent among characterized isolates (11/14).
  • The T15 genotype was identified in three isolates, including two from patients with keratitis responding to therapy, marking its first association with human amoebic keratitis.

Conclusions:

  • PCR is a sensitive and rapid diagnostic tool for Acanthamoeba detection in clinical settings.
  • The identification of the T15 genotype in human amoebic keratitis cases warrants further investigation.
  • This study provides valuable epidemiological data on Acanthamoeba in Italy.

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