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Can Acanthamoeba Harbor Monkeypox Virus?
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1,2, Jibran Sualeh Muhammad3, Ahmad M Alharbi4
1College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates.
Microorganisms
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Amoebae, like Acanthamoeba, might play a role in transmitting monkeypox virus. Their known ability to host various microbes suggests they could shelter and spread this DNA virus, potentially involving animal reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Acanthamoeba are known to host diverse microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and yeast.
- Recent outbreaks of monkeypox (a double-stranded DNA virus) raise concerns about potential transmission routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To speculate on the potential role of Acanthamoeba in the transmission of monkeypox virus.
- To explore possible mechanisms of viral shelter and spread facilitated by amoebae.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and hypothesis generation based on existing knowledge of Acanthamoeba-microbe interactions.
- Extrapolation from the discovery of mimivirus (a double-stranded DNA virus) within Acanthamoeba.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba's capacity to host various microbes suggests a potential for sheltering monkeypox virus.
- Animals may serve as a "mixing vessel" for monkeypox virus and Acanthamoeba, facilitating transmission.
Conclusions:
- Amoebae, specifically Acanthamoeba, are hypothesized to potentially aid in monkeypox virus transmission.
- Environmental habitats and animal reservoirs are likely interfaces for complex interactions involving Acanthamoeba and monkeypox virus.
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