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Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches
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High Diversity and Prevalence of Potentially Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae in Water Sources from Castilla y León,

Patricia Pérez-Pérez1,2,3, Iván Rodríguez-Escolar3,4,5, José E Piñero1,2,6

  • 1Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Free-living amoebae (FLA), including opportunistic pathogens, are increasingly found in Spanish water sources. This study highlights their diversity and prevalence, underscoring the need for enhanced water surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Free-living amoebae (FLA) are increasingly recognized as emerging pathogens responsible for severe human infections.
  • Global infection cases are rising, yet data on FLA prevalence in water sources remain limited.
  • Climate change may enhance the distribution and survival of these environmental pathogens, necessitating proactive monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diversity and abundance of FLA in various water bodies in Castilla y León, Spain.
  • To assess the seasonal distribution of FLA in relation to local water characteristics.
  • To identify potential risks associated with FLA in recreational and irrigation water sources.

Main Methods:

  • Environmental sampling of diverse water sources (rivers, swamps, irrigation, swimming pools, fountains) across Castilla y León.
  • Seasonal collection of water samples throughout the year.
  • Identification and quantification of FLA species using molecular and microscopic techniques.

Main Results:

  • Vermamoeba vermiformis was identified as the most prevalent FLA species, found across all tested water types.
  • Genera including Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, and Vahlkampfia were also detected.
  • FLA diversity correlated with specific local water characteristics, indicating environmental influences on their distribution.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals a significant diversity of FLA in the water sources of Castilla y León.
  • The widespread presence of FLA, including opportunistic pathogens like Vermamoeba vermiformis, highlights potential public health risks.
  • Continuous monitoring of FLA in water bodies is crucial for preventing infections and managing environmental health risks.
Keywords:
Acanthamoeba spp.Castilla y LeónSpainVermamoeba vermiformismonitoringwater

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