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Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Acanthamoeba Species from Air Conditioning Systems, Egypt
Nabil Shokrany Gabr1,2, Rabie Mohamed Mohamed2, Usama Salah Belal2
1Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Egypt.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba are free-living amoebae that cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and keratitis. In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify Acanthamoeba from air conditioning systems using in vitro cell culture and polymerase chain reaction assays. We also estimated the pathogenicity of the isolates by measuring their thermotolerance and studying mice models inoculated with these isolates. Of the 80 dust samples acquired, 41 (51.25%) were found to be positive for Acanthamoeba spp. using in vitro cell culture and the results were validated using PCR. Out of these 41 samples, 27 (65.9%) were thermotolerant and 16 (39%) samples could infect mice and cause histopathological effects. Highly pathogenic Acanthamoeba isolates were characterized by their thermotolerance and the ability to disseminate in all organs after infection, causing early death of infected animals. Our study thus validated the presence of pathogenic isolates of Acanthamoeba in air conditioners that may be potentially infectious to humans.
Insights
Pathogenic Acanthamoeba were found in air conditioning systems, posing a potential infection risk. These free-living amoebae can cause serious health issues like encephalitis and keratitis in humans.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Medical parasitology
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous free-living amoebae.
- These organisms are known etiological agents of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and keratitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify Acanthamoeba from air conditioning systems.
- To assess the pathogenicity of isolated Acanthamoeba strains.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from air conditioning systems.
- Acanthamoeba isolation was performed using in vitro cell culture.
- Identification and validation were conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.
- Pathogenicity was evaluated through thermotolerance tests and mouse inoculation models.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba species were detected in 51.25% of dust samples.
- A significant proportion (65.9%) of isolates exhibited thermotolerance.
- 39% of isolates were capable of infecting mice, causing histopathological damage.
- Highly pathogenic isolates demonstrated thermotolerance and widespread dissemination in organs, leading to rapid mortality in mice.
Conclusions:
- Air conditioning systems serve as a reservoir for pathogenic Acanthamoeba.
- Thermotolerance and organ dissemination are key indicators of Acanthamoeba pathogenicity.
- These findings highlight a potential public health risk associated with Acanthamoeba in indoor environments.
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