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Isolation and Identification of Naegleria Species in Irrigation Channels for Recreational Use in Mexicali Valley,
Patricia Bonilla-Lemus1, Saúl Rojas-Hernández2, Elizabeth Ramírez-Flores1
1Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental, Grupo CyMA, UIICSE, FES Iztacala, UNAM. Av. De Los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico.
Abstract:
Members of the genus Naegleria are free-living amoebae that are widely distributed in water and soil environments. Moreover, Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic amoeba species that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Since most reported infections due to N. fowleri are reported in recreational waters worldwide, this study was aimed to describe the presence of these amoebic genus in Mexicali Valley irrigation channels of recreational use. A total of nine water samples were collected and processed by triplicate, in nine different sites of the Valley. After filtering and culturing the samples, plates were examined, and the observed amoebae were morphologically identified at the genus level. In addition, the pathogenicity of these amoebic isolates was checked, and molecular characterization was performed by PCR/sequencing. The results revealed the presence of Naegleria spp. in all the channels sampled. Finally, molecular identification confirmed the presence of five different species of Naegleria: N. fowleri, N. australiensis, N. gruberi, N. clarki and N. pagei. The presence of these protists, particularly N. fowleri, should be considered as a potential human health risk in the region.
Insights
Free-living amoebae of the genus Naegleria, including the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, were found in Mexicali Valley recreational irrigation channels. This finding highlights a potential human health risk from these amoebae in the region.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Parasitology
Background:
- Naegleria are ubiquitous free-living amoebae found in water and soil.
- Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal neurological disease.
- Infections are often linked to recreational water exposure worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Naegleria genus in recreational irrigation channels in Mexicali Valley.
- To identify species of Naegleria, including pathogenic strains, in these water bodies.
- To assess the potential health risks associated with Naegleria in the region.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected from nine irrigation channel sites in Mexicali Valley.
- Amoebae were isolated, cultured, and morphologically identified at the genus level.
- Pathogenicity was assessed, and molecular characterization was performed using PCR/sequencing.
Main Results:
- Naegleria species were detected in all sampled irrigation channels.
- Molecular identification confirmed five species: N. fowleri, N. australiensis, N. gruberi, N. clarki, and N. pagei.
- The presence of Naegleria fowleri indicates a potential risk.
Conclusions:
- Naegleria spp., including the pathogenic N. fowleri, are present in Mexicali Valley recreational irrigation channels.
- This finding underscores a significant potential human health risk in the region.
- Environmental monitoring and public health awareness are crucial.
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