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Detection and Molecular Characterization of Potentially Pathogenic Free-living Amoebae from Water Sources in Kish
Maryam Niyyati1, Zohreh Lasgerdi2, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales3
1Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Amoebic keratitis, a sight-threatening corneal infection, mainly occurs in contact lens wearers who wash their eyes with tap water. The present research was conducted to identify the occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in tap water sources on Kish Island, a tourist region in Iran. Amoebae were detected using a culture-enriched method and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing of the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba. In the case of other free-living amoebae species, PCR/sequencing analysis of the 18S rDNA was conducted. Results of this study showed the presence of Acanthamoeba belonging to T3, T4, T5, and T11 genotypes in tap water sources. Additionally, Vermamoebae vermiformis was detected in three water samples. This is the first report of the Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, T5, and T11 and V. vermiformis species in tap water sources in a tourist region in Iran.
Insights
Potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) were found in tap water on Kish Island, Iran. This research highlights risks for contact lens wearers and identifies Acanthamoeba genotypes and Vermamoebae vermiformis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Amoebic keratitis is a severe eye infection primarily affecting contact lens users.
- Improper contact lens hygiene, such as using tap water, increases infection risk.
- Identifying sources of pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genotypes of potentially pathogenic FLA in tap water on Kish Island, Iran.
- To assess the risk posed by identified FLA to contact lens wearers in a tourist region.
Main Methods:
- Tap water samples were collected from Kish Island.
- Amoebae were detected using culture-enriched methods.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene were employed to identify FLA species and genotypes, including Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoebae.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba, specifically genotypes T3, T4, T5, and T11, were identified in the tap water samples.
- Vermamoebae vermiformis was also detected in three water samples.
- This study marks the first report of these specific Acanthamoeba genotypes and V. vermiformis in Iranian tourist region tap water.
Conclusions:
- Tap water on Kish Island harbors potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae, including multiple Acanthamoeba genotypes and Vermamoebae vermiformis.
- The findings underscore the public health risk, particularly for contact lens wearers, in this tourist area.
- Further research and public awareness campaigns are recommended to mitigate the risk of amoebic keratitis.
