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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Studying Behavior of Acanthamoeba to Develop Targeted Strategies for Preventing Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Published on: September 20, 2024
Successive Acanthamoeba Corneal Isolates Identified in Poland Monitored in Terms of In Vitro Dynamics
Lidia Chomicz1, Jacek P Szaflik2, Beata Szostakowska3
1Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba cause a sight-threatening infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is considered a rare disease in humans but poses an increasing threat to public health worldwide, including in Poland. We present successive isolates from serious keratitis preliminary examined in terms of the identification and monitoring of, among others, the in vitro dynamics of the detected strains.
Methods:
Clinical and combined laboratory methods were applied; causative agents of the keratitis were identified at the cellular and molecular levels; isolates were cultivated in an axenic liquid medium and regularly monitored.
Results:
In a phase-contrast microscope, Acanthamoeba sp. cysts and live trophozoites from corneal samples and in vitro cultures were assessed on the cellular level. Some isolates that were tested at the molecular level were found to correspond to A. mauritanensis, A. culbertsoni, A. castellanii, genotype T4. There was variability in the amoebic strain dynamics; high viability was expressed as trofozoites' long duration ability to intense multiply.
Conclusions:
Some strains from keratitis under diagnosis verification and dynamics assessment showed enough adaptive capability to grow in an axenic medium, allowing them to exhibit significant thermal tolerance. In vitro monitoring that was suitable for verifying in vivo examinations, in particular, was useful to detect the strong viability and pathogenic potential of successive Acanthamoeba strains with a long duration of high dynamics.
Insights
Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection, is increasingly threatening globally. This study monitored Acanthamoeba strains, identifying species and assessing their in vitro growth dynamics and thermal tolerance, revealing significant pathogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe, sight-threatening infection caused by Acanthamoeba genus amoebae.
- While rare, it poses a growing global public health concern, including in Poland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and monitor Acanthamoeba strains isolated from keratitis cases.
- To evaluate the in vitro dynamics and adaptive capabilities of these strains.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and laboratory methods were employed for identification at cellular and molecular levels.
- Isolates were cultured in axenic liquid medium and regularly monitored.
- Phase-contrast microscopy was used to assess Acanthamoeba cysts and trophozoites.
Main Results:
- Molecular analysis identified strains corresponding to Acanthamoeba mauritanensis, A. culbertsoni, A. castellanii (genotype T4).
- Observed variability in strain dynamics, with high viability and prolonged multiplication of trophozoites.
- Isolates demonstrated adaptive capability for growth in axenic media and significant thermal tolerance.
Conclusions:
- In vitro monitoring effectively verified in vivo observations of Acanthamoeba strains.
- The study detected strong viability and pathogenic potential in successive Acanthamoeba strains.
- Adaptive capabilities, including thermal tolerance, were noted in strains isolated from keratitis.
