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Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
Published on: May 27, 2022
Isolation and genotyping of acanthamoeba strains from soil sources from Jamaica, West Indies
Cheridah D Todd1, María Reyes-Batlle, Carmen Ma Martín-Navarro
1University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, La Laguna Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Department of Microbiology, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are ubiquitous in nature. Many species of this genus are responsible for a fatal encephalitis and keratitis in humans and other animals. Seventy-two soil samples were collected from the parishes across Jamaica and assessed for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. Cultivation was carried out on non-nutrient agar plates seeded with heat killed Escherichia coli. PCR and sequencing of the DF3 region were carried out in order to genotype the isolated strains of Acanthamoeba. Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays were utilized to investigate the pathogenic potential of the Acanthamoeba isolates. Acanthamoeba spp. was isolated from 63.9% of soil samples. Sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA resulted in the identification of genotypes T4, T5, and T11. T4 genotype was most frequently isolated. Most isolates were thermotolerant or both thermotolerant and osmotolerant, indicating that they may present the potential to cause disease in humans and other animals.
Insights
Acanthamoeba species, opportunistic pathogens causing severe infections, were found in 63.9% of Jamaican soil samples. Isolated strains, including genotype T4, showed thermotolerance and osmotolerance, indicating potential disease-causing capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Parasitology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous opportunistic pathogens.
- These amoebas can cause severe human diseases like encephalitis and keratitis.
- Understanding their prevalence and pathogenic potential in different environments is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genotypes of Acanthamoeba species in Jamaican soil.
- To assess the pathogenic potential of isolated Acanthamoeba strains through thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays.
Main Methods:
- Soil samples were collected across Jamaica.
- Acanthamoeba isolation using non-nutrient agar with Escherichia coli.
- Genotyping via PCR and sequencing of the 18S rDNA DF3 region.
- Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba species were isolated from 63.9% of the soil samples.
- Genotypes T4, T5, and T11 were identified, with T4 being the most frequent.
- A majority of isolates exhibited thermotolerance or combined thermotolerance and osmotolerance.
Conclusions:
- Jamaican soil harbors Acanthamoeba species with genotypes linked to pathogenicity.
- The thermotolerant and osmotolerant nature of isolates suggests a significant potential for causing disease in humans and animals.
- Further research is warranted to understand the public health implications.
