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Published on: September 15, 2023
Isolation of Acanthamoeba from the rhizosphere of maize and lucerne plants
Erika Orosz1, Agnes Farkas, László Ködöböcz
1Department of Parasitology, National Center for Epidemiology, Budapest, Hungary. orosz.erika@oek.antsz.hu
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae that can be found in almost every range of environments. Within this genus, a number of species are recognized as human pathogens, potentially causing Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and chronic granulomatous lesions. Soil and water samples were taken from experimental station at Julianna Major of Plant Protection Institute of Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (CAR HAS). We detected living Acanthamoeba spp. based on culture-confirmed detection combined with the molecular taxonomic identification method. Living Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in thirteen (65%) samples. The presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the samples depends significantly on the rhizosphere plants. The most frequently identified living Acanthamoeba genotype was T4 followed by T11, T2/T6 and T17. Genotypes T4 and T11 of Acanthamoeba, are responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis as well as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and should therefore be considered as a potential health risk associated with human activities in the environment.
Insights
Free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba, were found in 65% of soil and water samples. Pathogenic genotypes T4 and T11 were detected, posing a potential health risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living amoebae.
- Certain Acanthamoeba species are pathogenic to humans, causing severe infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and identify living Acanthamoeba species in soil and water samples from a specific agricultural research station.
- To determine the prevalence of different Acanthamoeba genotypes and assess their potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from an experimental station at the Plant Protection Institute of CAR HAS.
- Living Acanthamoeba spp. were detected using culture-confirmed methods combined with molecular taxonomic identification.
- Genotyping was performed to identify specific Acanthamoeba strains.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in 65% (13 out of 20) of the analyzed samples.
- The presence of Acanthamoeba was significantly influenced by rhizosphere plants.
- The most prevalent genotype was T4, followed by T11, T2/T6, and T17.
- Pathogenic genotypes T4 and T11 were identified.
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba, including pathogenic genotypes T4 and T11, is present in the studied agricultural environment.
- Rhizosphere plants play a role in the distribution of Acanthamoeba.
- The identified genotypes pose a potential health risk to humans engaging in activities within this environment.
