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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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The Implication of Horizontal Gene Transfer Between Acanthamoeba and Its Intracellular Microbes on Pathogenicity: A

Yalewayker Asrat1, Biruk Bayleyegn1, Mark Willcox1

  • 1School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurs between Acanthamoeba and its intracellular microbes, potentially increasing virulence. This process enhances Acanthamoeba's pathogenicity, impacting human health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Pathogen Research

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous protozoan causing severe human diseases like keratitis.
  • Gene exchange in Acanthamoeba may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance and virulence.
  • Understanding horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is crucial for assessing Acanthamoeba's pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review studies on HGT between Acanthamoeba and intracellular microorganisms.
  • To evaluate the impact of HGT on Acanthamoeba's pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
  • Included 19 studies meeting specific criteria.

Main Results:

  • 14 studies (73.6%) provided evidence of HGT involving Acanthamoeba.
  • Genes were frequently transferred from Pseudomonas, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydia.
  • Five studies (26.3%) linked intracellular microbes to Acanthamoeba's pathology.

Conclusions:

  • HGT is confirmed between Acanthamoeba and intracellular microbes.
  • Acanthamoeba with intracellular microbes exhibits increased pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo.
  • Further research on clinical and environmental samples is needed to study virulence and resistance gene transfer.
Keywords:
amoeba-resisting microorganismsantimicrobial resistanceendosymbiontslateral gene exchangevirulence factors

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