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[Pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba isolated from water]
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Mikrobiologie Und Hygiene. 1. Abt. Originale B, Hygiene
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba strains increased with repeated animal passages, leading to mouse mortality. In vitro cultivation reduced pathogenicity, suggesting animal passage selects for more virulent strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Pathogen Evolution
Context:
- Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous protozoa found in various environments.
- Some Acanthamoeba strains can cause severe infections in humans, such as keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
- Understanding factors influencing Acanthamoeba pathogenicity is crucial for disease prevention.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential for increasing the pathogenicity of environmental Acanthamoeba strains.
- To evaluate the role of host passage (in vivo) versus in vitro cultivation on Acanthamoeba virulence.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying Acanthamoeba pathogenicity.
Summary:
- Two environmental Acanthamoeba strains were subjected to serial passages in mice and liquid medium.
- Increased pathogenicity, indicated by a higher mortality rate in mice, was observed after repeated animal passages.
- Acanthamoebae passaged solely in vitro lost pathogenicity, while those passaged in animals demonstrated increased virulence, with mortality observed after fewer passages.
Impact:
- This study suggests that host-to-host transmission could select for more pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains.
- Findings have implications for understanding the emergence and spread of Acanthamoeba infections.
- Highlights the importance of host-animal interactions in pathogen adaptation and virulence.