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Related Concept Videos

Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

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Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
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Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
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Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
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Three encephalitis-causing amoebae and their distinct interactions with the host.

Maarten J Sarink1, Nadia L van der Meijs1, Kristin Denzer2

  • 1Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Trends in Parasitology
|November 11, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp. cause lethal brain infections with overlapping symptoms. This review identifies key factors differentiating these amoebic infections for improved treatment strategies.

Keywords:
AcanthamoebaBalamuthia mandrillarisNaegleria fowlericentral nervous systemhost–pathogen interactionsimmunityprotozoal infections

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroparasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp. are protozoa capable of causing fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans.
  • Despite overlapping clinical presentations, distinct pathological mechanisms and disease courses characterize infections by these three amoebae.
  • Recent advances in understanding amoebic pathogenicity, host immunity, and epidemiology provide new insights into these devastating infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current knowledge on the biology, pathogenicity, and host immune responses to N. fowleri, B. mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp.
  • To elucidate the factors contributing to the differential clinical manifestations and outcomes of infections caused by these amoebae.
  • To identify potential targets for novel therapeutic and preventative strategies against these lethal amoebic brain infections.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent research on N. fowleri, B. mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp.
  • Comparative analysis of pathogenicity mechanisms, virulence factors, and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Synthesis of epidemiological data and human immune responses to the different amoebic species.

Main Results:

  • Distinct differences in amoebic invasion pathways, cytopathic effects, and immune evasion strategies were identified.
  • Variations in the inflammatory milieu and host immune cell infiltration correlate with specific amoebic infections.
  • Epidemiological patterns and routes of exposure contribute to the differential disease burden and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the specific biological and immunological factors differentiating these amoebic infections is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • The review highlights the need for species-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to combat these rare but fatal brain infections.
  • Further research into comparative pathobiology and host immune modulation holds promise for developing effective treatments against Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Acanthamoeba infections.