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Epidemiology of free-living amoebae in the Philippines: a review and update

Giovanni D Milanez1, Frederick R Masangkay1, Gregorio L Martin I1

  • 1Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.

Pathogens and Global Health
|February 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widespread environmental pathogens in the Philippines, posing public health risks. Research on FLA infections and control strategies in the country remains limited, highlighting critical gaps in current knowledge and policy development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Free-living amoebae (FLA) are recognized as environmental pathogens with potential public health implications.
  • Their ubiquitous presence in natural environments necessitates a better understanding of their distribution and associated risks.
  • Despite potential threats, FLA research, particularly concerning pathogenic strains, has received limited attention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile and present epidemiological data on the distribution and occurrence of FLA in the Republic of the Philippines.
  • To consolidate fragmented research findings on FLA within the country.
  • To identify research gaps and propose future directions for FLA studies in the Philippines.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing epidemiological data and fragmented studies on FLA distribution and occurrence in the Philippines.
  • Analysis of the frequency of different research approaches, including characterization studies, environmental isolation, and isolation from biological samples.

Main Results:

  • The majority of reviewed studies (36.8%) focused on FLA characterization, with environmental and biological sample isolation each accounting for 31.6%.
  • A significant disparity exists between the known ubiquity of FLA in environmental sources and the reported number of FLA infection cases in the Philippines.
  • FLA-related research in the Philippines is in its early stages, with substantial gaps in isolation, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and control.

Conclusions:

  • FLA research in the Philippines is nascent, with critical knowledge gaps hindering effective public health strategies.
  • There is a need for comprehensive research to address the disparity between FLA ubiquity and documented infections.
  • Future research should focus on developing policies for FLA isolation, identification, diagnosis, management, and control to mitigate public health risks.
Keywords:
AcanthamoebaNaegleriaPhilippinesepidemiologyfree-living amoeba

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