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Author Spotlight: Studying Behavior of Acanthamoeba to Develop Targeted Strategies for Preventing Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Published on: September 20, 2024
Current Status of Acanthamoeba in Iran: A Narrative Review Article
Maryam Niyyati1, Mostafa Rezaeian2
1Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba have an environmental distribution. Amoebic keratitis due to these protozoan parasites continue to rise in Iran and worldwide. In Iran, there are various researches regarding both morphological and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp. in environmental and clinical samples. However, there is no thorough review about Acanthamoeba genotypes and their distribution in environmental sources such as water, dust and biofilm in Iran. Besides, according to increasing cases of Amoebic keratitis in the region awareness regarding the pathogenic potential of these sight-threatening amoebae is of utmost importance.
Methods:
We conducted a thorough review based on the database sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed and Google scholar. No restrictions were placed on study date, study design or language of publication. We searched all valuable and relevant information considering the occurrence of the Acanthamoeba in both environmental and clinical samples.
Results:
According to our thorough review Acanthamoeba belonging to T4 genotype is the most prevalent type strain in environmental and clinical samples in several regions in Iran and worldwide, however, there are reports regarding Acanthamoeba belonging to other genotypes such as T2, T3, T5, T6 and T11 and the mentioned point could leads us to more researches with the goal of presenting the real genotype dominance of Acanthamoeba and related disease in the country.
Conclusion:
Overall, the present review will focus on present status of genotypes of Acanthamoeba in Iran during recent years.
Insights
Acanthamoeba genotype T4 is prevalent in Iran, but other genotypes also exist. Further research is needed to understand Acanthamoeba genotype distribution and its link to amoebic keratitis in the region.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are widespread environmentally.
- Amoebic keratitis cases caused by Acanthamoeba are increasing globally and in Iran.
- Existing research in Iran focuses on Acanthamoeba identification but lacks a comprehensive review of genotypes in environmental sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of Acanthamoeba genotypes in Iran.
- To highlight the distribution of Acanthamoeba genotypes in environmental samples.
- To raise awareness about the pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba in light of rising keratitis cases.
Main Methods:
- A thorough literature review was conducted.
- Databases searched include MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
- All relevant studies on Acanthamoeba occurrence in environmental and clinical samples were included, regardless of publication date, design, or language.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba genotype T4 is the most common type found in environmental and clinical samples in Iran and worldwide.
- Reports also indicate the presence of other genotypes, including T2, T3, T5, T6, and T11.
- This diversity suggests a need for further research to determine the dominant Acanthamoeba genotypes and their disease associations in Iran.
Conclusions:
- This review consolidates the current understanding of Acanthamoeba genotypes in Iran.
- It emphasizes the need for continued investigation into Acanthamoeba genotype prevalence.
- Understanding genotype distribution is crucial for managing Acanthamoeba-related diseases, particularly amoebic keratitis.
