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[Comparative study of experimental pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba strains (author's transl)]
Abstract:
We have tested pathogenicity on mice after the intranasal instillation of 8 Acanthamoeba strains isolated from swimming-pools. The A1 strain of A. culbertsoni has also been tested as pathogenic reference strain. Virulence is measured by determination of D.L. 50 for each strain from the study of the variation of mortality in relation to the inoculated dose. We have established that the most of Acanthamoeba strains (6 on 8) isolated from an external environment (swimming-pools) are able to kill a certain percentage of mice after intranasal instillation. But the potential pathogenicity revealed in this way varies greatly (D.L. 50 included between 4.10(2) and 4.10(5)) from one strain to another. Elsewhere there seems to be no correlation among Acanthamoeba between the observed pathogenicity and the fact that it belongs to a particular species.
Insights
Swimming pool Acanthamoeba strains were tested for pathogenicity in mice. Most strains caused mortality, but virulence varied significantly between isolates, irrespective of species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogen research
- Environmental health
Background:
- Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous protozoa found in various environments, including swimming pools.
- Some Acanthamoeba species are known human pathogens, causing serious infections like keratitis and granulomatous encephalitis.
- The pathogenic potential of environmental Acanthamoeba isolates requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from swimming pools in a mouse model.
- To determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) for different Acanthamoeba strains.
- To explore potential correlations between Acanthamoeba species and their virulence.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal instillation of 8 Acanthamoeba strains into mice.
- Use of a known pathogenic strain (A1 of A. culbertsoni) as a reference.
- Mortality rates were recorded to determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) for each strain.
Main Results:
- Six out of eight environmental Acanthamoeba strains demonstrated pathogenicity in mice.
- Significant variation in virulence was observed, with LD50 values ranging from 4x10^2 to 4x10^5.
- No clear correlation was found between the species of Acanthamoeba and its observed pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Environmental Acanthamoeba from swimming pools can possess pathogenic potential.
- The virulence of Acanthamoeba strains varies considerably, necessitating strain-specific risk assessment.
- Species identification alone is insufficient to predict the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba isolates.