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Published on: October 27, 2013
Viability and morphological changes of Acanthamoeba spp. cysts after treatment with Effective microorganisms (EM)
Tanitta Sampaotong1, Usa Lek-Uthai2, Jantima Roongruangchai3
1Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ; Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajavithi Road, Rajathewee District, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba is a free-living opportunistic protozoan parasite that is found in diverse environments. It can cause keratitis, mostly related to inappropriate use of contact lenses, as well as life threatening diseases including encephalitis, disseminated sinusitis, and skin ulcers. This study investigated morphological changes and fine structures of the cyst form of Acanthamoeba spp. after treatment with effective microorganisms (EM™) using light and scanning electron microscopies. Acanthamoeba cysts treated with 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, and undiluted EM™ showed higher percentages of non-viable cysts than those treated with 1:8, 1:10, 1:100, 1:200, and 1:400 EM™ and at 5 days post-treatment developed from cystic stage to trophozoite stage. Acanthamoeba cysts treated at concentrations of 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, and undiluted EM™ exhibited cytoplasmic clumping and shrinkage of amoeba cells away from cyst walls. The effective EM™ concentration lethal to Acanthamoeba spp. cyst could provide information to monitor the environmental control system.
Insights
Effective microorganisms (EM™) show potential in controlling Acanthamoeba, a parasite causing serious infections. Higher EM™ concentrations proved lethal to Acanthamoeba cysts, offering insights for environmental management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoan parasite found globally.
- It causes severe infections like keratitis, encephalitis, and skin ulcers, often linked to contact lens misuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and structural effects of effective microorganisms (EM™) on Acanthamoeba cysts.
- To determine EM™ concentrations effective in inhibiting Acanthamoeba cyst viability and development.
Main Methods:
- Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe Acanthamoeba cyst morphology.
- Acanthamoeba cysts were treated with varying concentrations of EM™ (1:2 to 1:400).
Main Results:
- Higher EM™ concentrations (1:2, 1:4, 1:6, undiluted) led to increased Acanthamoeba cyst non-viability.
- Lower EM™ concentrations allowed development from cyst to trophozoite stage.
- Treated cysts showed cytoplasmic clumping and cell shrinkage away from cyst walls.
Conclusions:
- Specific EM™ concentrations are lethal to Acanthamoeba cysts.
- Findings suggest EM™ can be a tool for monitoring and controlling environmental Acanthamoeba populations.
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