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Characterization of Naegleria fowleri from two human cases: insights into its excretion/secretion products

Natalia Chacón Camacho1, María Fernanda Steller Espinoza1, Johan Alvarado-Ocampo2

  • 1Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|May 21, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study characterized two Naegleria fowleri isolates from Costa Rica, revealing similar protein profiles but distinct protease activity and cytopathic effects. Understanding these differences is crucial for Naegleria fowleri pathogenicity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri causes primary acute meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but severe infection.
  • Limited information exists on N. fowleri pathogenicity and isolate variability.
  • Two PAM cases in Costa Rica yielded N. fowleri isolates for study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize and compare two N. fowleri isolates from Costa Rica.
  • To analyze excretion/secretion products and virulence factors.
  • To investigate potential differences in pathogenicity and drug susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Protein profile analysis via silver staining.
  • Protease activity assays at different pH levels.
  • Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and conditioned media.
  • Cytopathic effect and drug susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

  • Both isolates showed similar protein profiles and drug susceptibility.
  • Proteomics identified numerous proteins in EVs and conditioned media, with hydrolase activity and actin filament binding being prominent.
  • N. fowleri Limón exhibited unique protease activity at low pH, while N. fowleri Guanacaste induced a faster cytopathic effect.

Conclusions:

  • Genomic heterogeneity among N. fowleri isolates may lead to varied metabolic repertoires and virulence.
  • Comparative studies are essential for understanding N. fowleri pathogenicity and PAM severity.
  • Further research is needed to correlate isolate characteristics with clinical outcomes.
Keywords:
Naegleria fowlericytotoxicityexcretion/secretion productsproteintrophozoites

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