Isolamento de amebas de vida livre potencialmente patogênicas em piscinas de uso coletivo localizadas no município de Redenção, Pará, Brasil / Isolation of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in swimming pools for collective use located in the municipality of Redenção, Pará, Brazil

Objetivo Isolar amebas dos gêneros Acanthamoeba e Naegleria em piscinas de uso coletivo do município de Redenção, Pará, Brasil. Métodos A identificação dessas amebas se deu a partir de amostras retiradas de piscinas de uso coletivo de quatro clubes da cidade. As análises foram realizadas a partir do exame direto a fresco, cultura, análise morfológica após coloração de Gram e teste de exflagelação, seguindo o protocolo descrito por Carlesso, Artuso e Rott. Resultados As amebas de vida livre foram encontradas em 41,67% das amostras, com predomínio das do gênero Acanthamoeba (63,2%) no exame direto a fresco. No clube A, localizado no setor Serrinha, houve predominância dessas amebas em relação às demais (8,34%). As amostras obtidas por swabs apresentaram 73,69% de formas evolutivas em comparação à análise feita apenas na água das piscinas. A confirmação dos gêneros das amebas presentes nas amostras feita através da coloração de Gram encontrou um perfil de identificação diferente, sendo que nesse exame a ameba de gênero Naegleriaspp. se sobressaiu perante a de gênero Acanthamoeba (61,11% e 38,89%, respectivamente). Conclusão Os resultados do estudo confirmam a presença de isolados potencialmente patogênicos de amebas de vida livre em piscinas de uso coletivo, o que pode significar um risco à saúde pública.

Objective To isolate amoebae of the genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria in swimming pools for collective use in the municipality of Redenção, Pará, Brazil. Methods The identification of these amoebae was determined from samples of swimming pools for collective use in four private clubs in the city. The analysis methodology was performed based on direct fresh examination, culture, morphological analysis after Gram staining and exflagellation test, following the protocol described by Carlesso, Artuso and Rott. Results The frequency of free-living amoebae was 41.67%, with a predominance of the Acanthamoeba genus (63.2%) in direct fresh examination. At club A, located in the Serrinha sector, the frequency of these amoebae was higher than the others (8.34%). The samples obtained by swabs showed 73.69% of evolutionary forms in comparison to the analysis only of the water in the pools. The confirmation of the genera by Gram stain showed a different identification profile, in which Naegleria spp. stood out before the genus Acanthamoeba (61.11% and 38.89%, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, the results of the study confirm the presence of potentially pathogenic isolates from free-living amoebae in swimming pools for collective use that may present risks to public health.

Encefalitis por ameba de vida libre: reporte de caso / Free-living amoeba encephalitis: case report

La encefalitis amebiana granulomatosa es una enfermedad considerada atípica debido a la baja incidencia desde que fue descubierta. Sin embargo, conforme han avanzando los métodos diagnósticos, en retrospectiva, se ha descrito la presencia de esta enfermedad desde principios del siglo XX, identificando a Acanthamoeba spp y Balamuthia mandrillaris como agentes más comunes.Es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico debido al amplio abanico clínico que puede presentar, siendo el sitio anatómico dentro del sistema nervioso central quien determinará estas características. El conocimiento y sospecha de la misma permitirá un abordaje terapéutico oportuno aunque, en la mayoría de los casos, con un desenlace fatal para el paciente.A continuación se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 26 años de edad originario de la ciudad de Durango, México, sin antecedentes de importancia, de ocupación ladrillero, quien sufre golpe con ladrillo en región naso-orbitaria, ingresando al hospital al tercer día del evento con diagnóstico de celulitis periorbitaria izquierda y nasal, cefalea de leve intensidad, rinorrea abundante, hemiparesia fasciocorporal izquierda, parestesia de extremidad superior izquierda, diplopía y vértigo postural. Los estudios imagenológicos revelaron lesiones heterogéneas en el lóbulo occipital, hemisferio cerebeloso izquierdo y tallo cerebral. Se realizó escisión de lesión tumoral cerebelar, con estudio anatomopatológico, reportando encefalitis granulomatosa por presencia de ameba de vida libre. El paciente evolucionó hacia deterioro rostro-caudal declarándose su fallecimiento a los 16 días de su estancia intrahospitalaria.En el Estado de Durango, México, no se cuenta con casos reportados por infección de ameba de vida libre

Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis is a disease considered atypical due to the low incidence since it was discovered. However, as diagnostic methods have progressed, in retrospect, the presence of this disease has been described since the beginning of the 20th century, identifying Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris as the most common agents.A disease that is difficult to diagnose due to the wide clinical range that it can present, being the anatomical site within the central nervous system that will determine these characteristics. The knowledge and suspicion of it will allow a timely therapeutic approach although, in most cases, with a fatal outcome for the patient.The clinical case is presented below of a 26 year old male patient from the city of Durang, México, with no significant history, of brick occupation, who suffers a blow with a brick in the naso-orbital region, follows, entering our hospital on the third day of the event with a diagnosis of left periorbital and nasal cellulitis, mild headache, profuse rhinorrhea, left fasciocorporeal hemiparesis, left upper limb parestesia, diplopia, and postural vertigo.Imaging studies were performed observing heterogeneous lesions in the occipital lobe, left cerebellar hemisphere and brain stem; excision of the cerebellar tumor lesion being carried out, with pathological study, reporting granulomatous encephalitis due to the presence of free-living amoeba. The patient progresses to face-caudal deterioration, declaring his death after 16 days of hospital stay.Within the state of Durango, Mexico, there are no reported cases of free-living amoeba infection

An emerging paradigm for the origin and evolution of shelled amoebae, integrating advances from molecular phylogenetics, morphology and paleontology

The phylogenetic paradigm of eukaryotic evolution has changed dramatically over the past two decades, with profound reflections on the understanding of life on earth. Arcellinida testate (shelled) amoebae lineages represent some of the oldest fossils of eukaryotes, and the elucidation of their phylogenetic relationships opened a window to the distant past, with important implications for understanding the evolution of life on earth. This four-part essay summarises advances made in the past 20 years regarding: (i) the phylogenetic relationships among amoebae with shells evolving in concert with the advances made in the phylogeny of eukaryotes; (ii) paleobiological studies unraveling the biological affinities of Neoproterozoic vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs); (iii) the interwoven interpretation of these different sets of data concluding that the Neoproterozoic contains a surprising diversity of organisms, in turn demanding a reinterpretation of the most profound events we know in the history of eukaryotes, and; (iv) a synthesis of the current knowledge about the evolution of Arcellinida, together with the possibilities and pitfalls of their interpretation.

Prevalencia de protozoarios intestinales y factores asociados en niños 3 a 7 años en la Unidad Educativa del Milenio, parroquia de Quisapincha. Ambato- Ecuador 2018 / Prevalence of intestinal protozoa and associated factors in children 3 to 7 years old at the Millennium Educational Unit, Quisapincha parish. Ambato- Ecuador 2018

La prevalencia de los parásitos intestinales presenta una mayor incidencia en los niños con respecto a los casos de los adultos. Se ha notado un crecimiento sostenido de la ocurrencia de casos de parasitosis en los niños en épocas reciente. Es por ello que el presente estudio presenta como fin estimar la prevalencia y factores asociados de protozoarios intestinales en niños 3 a 7 años en la Unidad Educativa del Milenio, parroquia de Quisapincha. Ambato- Ecuador 2018. Para lo cual el estudio se desarrolló de corte transversal, siendo una investigación de campo, la cual posee un nivel descriptivo. La población estuvo integrada por 79 niños, quienes son estudiantes de la etapa inicial, primero y segundo año de la Unidad Educativa el Milenio y sus 79 representantes. Como técnica de recolección de datos se empleó la encuesta y las muestras biológicas, como instrumentos se utilizó el cuestionario y la prueba de Graham. Como técnica de análisis de datos se contó con la tabulación y el procesamiento de los datos se realizó mediante el programa SPSS statistics 22. El resultado obtenido fue que 58 escolares resultaron parasitados lo que arroja un nivel de contagio del 73,42%, de este porcentaje de infectado los estudiantes masculinos presentan el 41,75% de los casos, mientras que las niñas obtuvieron el 31,62%. Siendo la edad con la mayor prevalencia los 6 años con un porcentaje de casos de 18,98%(AU)

in children compared to adult cases. A sustained growth in the occurrence of parasitic cases in children has been noted in recent times. That is why the present study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal protozoa in children 3 to 7 years old at the Millennium Educational Unit, Quisapincha parish. Ambato- Ecuador 2018. For which the study was developed in a cross section, being a field investigation, which has a descriptive level. The population was made up of 79 children, who are students of the initial, first and second years of the Millennium Educational Unit and its 79 representatives. The data collection technique used was the survey and biological samples, as instruments the questionnaire and the Graham test were used. As a data analysis technique, tabulation was used and the data was processed using the SPSS statistics 22 program. The result obtained was that 58 schoolchildren were parasitized, which gives a contagion level of 73.42%, of this percentage of infected male students present 41.75% of cases, while girls obtained 31.62% . The age with the highest prevalence being 6 years with a percentage of cases of 18.98%(AU)

Acanthamoeba in Southeast Asia – Overview and Challenges

Acanthamoeba, one of free-living amoebae (FLA), remains a high risk of direct contact with this protozoan parasite which is ubiquitous in nature and man-made environment. This pathogenic FLA can cause sight-threatening amoebic keratitis (AK) and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) though these cases may not commonly be reported in our clinical settings. Acanthamoeba has been detected from different environmental sources namely; soil, water, hot-spring, swimming pool, air-conditioner, or contact lens storage cases. The identification of Acanthamoeba is based on morphological appearance and molecular techniques using PCR and DNA sequencing for clinico-epidemiological purposes. Recent treatments have long been ineffective against Acanthamoeba cyst, novel anti-Acanthamoeba agents have therefore been extensively investigated. There are efforts to utilize synthetic chemicals, lead compounds from medicinal plant extracts, and animal products to combat Acanthamoeba infection. Applied nanotechnology, an advanced technology, has shown to enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activity in the encapsulated nanoparticles leading to new therapeutic options. This review attempts to provide an overview of the available data and studies on the occurrence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members with the aim of identifying some potential contributing factors such as distribution, demographic profile of the patients, possible source of the parasite, mode of transmission and treatment. Further, this review attempts to provide future direction for prevention and control of the Acanthamoeba infection.

Cytopathic Change and Inflammatory Response of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Induced by Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites and Cysts

Acanthamoeba castellanii has ubiquitous distribution and causes primary acanthamoebic keratitis (AK). AK is a common disease in contact lens wearers and results in permanent visual impairment or blindness. In this study, we observed the cytopathic effect, in vitro cytotoxicity, and secretion pattern of cytokines in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) induced by A. castellanii trophozoites and/or cysts. Morphological observation revealed that panked dendritic HCECs co-cultured with amoeba cysts had changed into round shape and gradually died. Such changes were more severe in co-culture with cyst than those of co-cultivation with trophozoites. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed the highest cytotoxicity to HCECs in the co-culture system with amoeba cysts. A. castellanii induced the expression of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL1 in HCECs. Secreted levels of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 in HCECs co-cultured with both trophozoites and cysts were increased at an early incubation time (3 and 6 hr). These results suggested that cytopathic changes and pro-inflammatory cytokines release of HCECs in response to A. castellanii, especially amoebic cysts, are an important mechanism for AK development.

Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis: A Case Report

Primary amebic encephalitis (PAM) is a devastating central nervous system infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba, which can survive in soil and warm fresh water. Here, a 43-year-old healthy male was exposed to warm freshwater 5 days before the symptom onset. He rapidly developed severe cerebral edema before the diagnosis of PAM and was treated with intravenous conventional amphotericin B while died of terminal cerebral hernia finally. Comparing the patients with PAM who has similar clinical symptoms to those with other common types of meningoencephalitis, this infection is probably curable if treated early and aggressively. PAM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of purulent meningoencephalitis, especially in patients with recent freshwater-related activities during the hot season.

Species composition of testate amoebae in Lake Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil / Composição de amebas testáceas no lago Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil

We aimed to perform the first survey of testate amoebae community composition in Lake Monte Alegre at São Paulo state, and contribute to mitigate the taxonomic impediment regarding thediversity of testate amoebae in Brazil. Samplings were performed in 20 sampling sites within the lake, inthe limnetic and littoral regions in April 2015, using a 58 μm-meshplankton net. We identified 20 taxa oftestate amoebae belonging to four families: Arcellidae (8 taxa), Centropyxidae (4 taxa), Difflugiidae (7 taxa) and Lesquereusiidae (2 taxa). The littoral region showed the highest number of taxa (n = 20), whereas inthe limnetic region 11 taxa were registered. Therefore, our results evidenced the importance of testateamoebae in aquatic systems, and that further research, taxonomic and/or ecological, in those environmentsshould include these organisms in their investigation. Moreover, we suggest that future research with greater sampling effort is necessary to expand the identification of possible cryptic species in this environment.

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o primeiro levantamento da composição da comunidade de amebas testáceas no lago Monte Alegre no Estado de São Paulo e, assim, contribuir para mitigar oimpedimento taxonômico relacionado à diversidade de amebas testáceas no Brasil. As amostragens foramrealizadas em 20 pontos do lago, nas regiões limnética e litorânea, no mês de abril de 2015, com rede deplâncton de 58 μm de abertura de malha. Foram identificados 20 táxons de amebas testáceas, divididos emquatro famílias: Arcellidae (8 táxons), Centropyxidae (4 táxons), Difflugiidae (7 táxons) e Lesquereusiidae(2 táxons). A região litorânea apresentou o maior número de táxons (n = 20), enquanto que na regiãolimnética foram registrados 11 táxons. Diante disso, é possível indicar que os nossos resultados evidenciama importância das amebas testáceas nos sistemas aquáticos e que novos estudos, taxonômicos e/ou ecológicos, nesses ambientes devem incluir estes organismos em suas investigações. Além disso, sugeremsefuturos estudos com maior esforço amostral para ampliar a identificação de possíveis espécies crípticas noambiente.

Efficient Liquid Media for Encystation of Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae

Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba castellanii, and Acanthamoeba polyphaga, are distributed worldwide. They are causative agents of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis or acanthamoebic keratitis in humans, respectively. Trophozoites encyst in unfavorable environments, such as exhausted food supply and desiccation. Until recently, the method of N. fowleri encystation used solid non-nutrient agar medium supplemented with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli; however, for the amoebic encystment of Acanthamoeba spp., a defined, slightly modified liquid media is used. In this study, in order to generate pure N. fowleri cysts, a liquid encystment medium (buffer 1) modified from Page’s amoeba saline was applied for encystation of N. fowleri. N. fowleri cysts were well induced after 24 hr with the above defined liquid encystment medium (buffer 1). This was confirmed by observation of a high expression of differential mRNA of nfa1 and actin genes in trophozoites. Thus, this liquid medium can replace the earlier non-nutrient agar medium for obtaining pure N. fowleri cysts. In addition, for cyst formation of Acanthamoeba spp., buffer 2 (adjusted to pH 9.0) was the more efficient medium. To summarize, these liquid encystment media may be useful for further studies which require axenic and pure amoebic cysts.

Amebas de Vida Libre aisladas en aguas superficiales del municipio de Turbaco, Bolívar-Colombia / Free-living amoebae isolated from surface water in the municipality of Turbaco, Bolívar, Colombia

Introducción: las amebas de vida libre (AVL) han sido aisladas de hábitat incluyendo: agua, suelo y vegetación. Los cambios ecológicos y la incursión de estos hábitats, han hecho que puedan invadir un hospedero y vivir como parásitos dentro de él. Por esto, las especies de los géneros Acanthamoeba y Naegleria han sido asociadas con infecciones oportunistas. Objetivo: evaluar la presencia de las amebas de vida libre en fuentes de agua natural en el municipio de Turbaco, con el fin de que sean consideradas en la conducta diagnóstica y terapéutica por las entidades de salud pertinentes. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en los arroyos Matute, Mameyal y Cucumán del municipio de Turbaco - Bolívar. La identificación se hizo mediante el estudio de los frescos de las fuentes de agua observando características morfológicas de las amebas. Resultados: de un total de 54 muestras se obtuvo una positividad del 55,5 por ciento para una o más AVL. Con mayor frecuencia Naegleria sp con un 44,4 por ciento y Acanthamoeba sp, en un 7,4 por ciento. Además, se encontraron otros microorganismos responsables de parasitosis intestinales como: Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis y Retortomonas intestinalis. Conclusión: los arroyos estudiados son hábitat de las AVL, demostrando que están presentes en el ambiente y que son frecuentes en zonas donde el ser humano suele practicar ciertas actividades, sin embargo, la proporción de Naegleria sp. permite alertar aún más a la población puesto que esta ameba puede afectar a todo tipo de individuo independiente de su estado inmunológico(AU)

Introduction: free-living amoebae (FLAs) have been isolated from habitats such as water, soil and vegetation. As a result of ecological changes and incursion into these habitats, free-living amoebae have invaded hosts and settled within them as parasites. This is the reason why the species of genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria have been associated with opportunistic diseases. Objective: determine the presence of free-living amoebae in natural water sources from the municipality of Turbaco, so they are taken into account by the corresponding health institutions in the design of diagnostic and therapeutic actions. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of streams Matute, Mameyal and Cucumán in the municipality of Turbaco, Bolívar. Identification was based on the study of fresh water from the sources selected and observation of the morphological characteristics of amoebae. Results: of the total 54 samples, 55.5 percent tested positive for one or more FLAs. The most common were Naegleria sp with 44.4 percent and Acanthamoeba sp with 7.4 percent. Microorganisms were also found which cause intestinal parasitic disease, such as Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis and Retortomonas intestinalis. Conclusion: the streams studied are habitats for FLAs, showing that the latter are present in the environment and are common in areas where human beings perform certain activities. However, the proportion of Naegleria sp. makes it necessary to emphatically alert the population, since this amoeba may affect all individuals, irrespective of their immune status(AU)

Testate Amoebae (Amebozoa: Arcellinida) in Tropical Lakes of Central Mexico / Amebas testadas (Amebozoa, Arcellinida) en lagos tropicales del centro de México

AbstractTestate amoebae are common single-celled eukaryotic organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Despite their important role in these ecosystems, and their potential as bioindicators and paleoindicators, they remain poorly studied in Mexico. The major objectives of this study were to: 1) increase knowledge of testate amoebae in Mexico's tropical lakes, and 2) create a catalog of high-quality scanning electron micrographs that can be used for future ecological and paleoenvironmental studies. We collected surface-sediment samples from 29 lakes, located in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, one at each lake during June and October 2011, and March 2013. Sediments were collected with an Ekman grab and preserved in anhydrous ethanol. Sub-samples were observed under a stereomicroscope and morphometric data for each species were recorded. Total diameter and aperture diameter were measured on circular tests. Irregularly shaped tests were measured for length and width of the aperture and for the size of the whole test. If a specimen possessed spines, the length of one randomly selected spine was measured. The best-preserved specimen of each taxon was photographed with an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We found 41 taxa of testate amoebae belonging to the genera: Arcella, Argynnia, Centropyxis, Cucurbitella, Cyclopyxis, Cyphoderia, Difflugia, Euglypha, Lesquereusia, Pentagonia, Pseudodifflugia and Scutiglypha. Twelve species not previously reported for Mexico were recorded, along with 13 varieties. The average number of taxa recorded in each lake was eight, and the highest taxonomic richness was 18. The taxon found in the greatest number of lakes was Centropyxis aculeata var. aculeata. Taxonomic richness varied among lakes in the same region. This could reflect lake-specific differences in environmental conditions, underscoring the need for more detailed studies that include collection of data on physical and chemical variables in the lakes. Our results highlighted the need of further studies for the distribution patterns and ecology of lacustrine testate amoebae. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 377-397. Epub 2016 March 01.

ResumenLas amebas testadas son organismos eucariontes unicelulares frecuentes en ecosistemas acuáticos. A pesar de su importante rol en estos ecosistemas, y su potencial como bioindicadores y paleoindicadores, son poco estudiados en México. Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron: 1) incrementar el conocimiento de las amebas testadas en lagos tropicales de México y 2) crear un catálogo de microfotografías electrónicas de barrido de alta calidad que pueda ser usado en futuros estudios ecológicos y paleoambientales. Recolectamos muestras de sedimentos superficiales de 29 lagos, ubicados en la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana, una vez en cada lago durante junio y octubre 2011 y marzo 2013. Los sedimentos se recolectaron con una draga tipo Ekman y se preservaron en etanol anhidro. Las sub-muestras se observaron al microscopio estereoscópico. Para cada especie fueron registrados sus datos morfométricos. En testas circulares fueron medidos el diámetro y la apertura total. En testas irregulares fueron medidos el largo y ancho de la apertura y el tamaño de toda la testa. Si un ejemplar poseía espinas, se seleccionó una al azar y se midió su longitud. El ejemplar mejor preservado de cada taxón fue fotografiado con un microscopio óptico y en microscopio electrónico de barrido (MEB). Encontramos 41 taxa de amebas testadas pertenecientes a los géneros Arcella, Argynnia, Centropyxis, Cucurbitella, Cyclopyxis, Cyphoderia, Difflugia, Euglypha, Lesquereusia, Pentagonia, Pseudodifflugia y Scutiglypha. Se registraron 12 especies y 13 variedades que no estaban reportadas previamente en México. El número promedio de taxa registrados en cada lago fue de ocho, y la riqueza taxonómica mayor fue de 18. El taxón encontrado en el mayor número de lagos fue Centropyxis aculeata var. aculeata. La riqueza taxonómica compartida por lagos de la misma región no fue muy similar. Esto puede reflejar diferencias en las condiciones ambientales, evidenciando la necesidad de elaborar estudios más detallados que incluyan la recolección de datos de las variables físico-químicas en los lagos. Nuestros resultados resaltan la necesidad de estudios posteriores acerca de los patrones de distribución y la ecología de las amebas testadas lacustres.

Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. as Neglected Parasites in North of Iran

Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is widely distributed in the environment, water sources, soil, dust, and air. It can cause keratitis in contact lens wearers with poor hygiene and also fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the distribution and genotypes of the potentially pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba present in water sources in north of Iran. Total 43 Acanthamoeba species were isolated from 77 water samples taken from different water sources within the Mazandaran province in Northern Iran (Sari city and suburbs). Isolates were identified based on cyst and trophozoite morphological characteristics as well genetics. PCR fragments corresponding to the small-subunit 18S rRNA gene were sequenced for 20 of 43 positive isolates. The results revealed that 83.3% of sequenced isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T2 genotype. Our results indicated that Acanthamoeba is widely distributed in Sari city. As the incidence in Iran of amoebic keratitis has increased in recent years, the exact estimation of the prevalence of this amoeba and its predominant genotype may play a crucial role in prevention of the disease. Sari city has several rivers, seashores, and natural recreational amenities, which attract visitors during the year. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba genotypes from water sources in Sari city, Mazandaran province of Iran, and the results suggest that more attention is needed to protect the visiting population and immunocompromised individuals.

Aportes al diagnóstico de las infecciones por Acanthamoeba spp / Inputs for diagnosing Acanthamoeba spp. infections

Acanthamoeba spp., tiene capacidad para comportarse como parásito oportunista y ocasionar encefalitis granulomatosa amebiana (EGA), sinusitis y lesiones cutáneas, especialmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos...

Glositis migratoria benigna asociada a lodamoeba butschlii: informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Benign migratory glossitis in association with lodamoeba butschlii: a case report and review of the literature

Objetivo: demostrar, por medio de un caso clínico, el impacto que pueden tener las parasitosis intestinales en la mucosa oral, y realizar una actualización del tema. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 40 años de edad, atendido en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador. Tras anamnesis, examen clínico y de laboratorio, se diagnosticó glositis areata asociada a parasitosis intestinal por lodamoeba butschlii. Esta inflamación, también conocida como glositis migratoria benigna, es denominada así por su aspecto clínico similar a un mapamundi, debido a los parches irregulares en su superficie.d La causa de esta lesión aún se desconoce. Conclusión: ante manifestaciones clínicas de glositis areata, es preciso investigar la presencia de parasitosis intestinal.

Structure of the testate amoebae community in different habitats in a neotropical floodplain / Estrutura da comunidade de amebas testáceas em diferentes hábitats em uma planície de inundação neotropical

This study evaluated the differences in composition, abundance and morphology of testate amoebae among different habitats of the same aquatic environment (plankton, aquatic macrophyte and sediment) in the Upper Paraná River floodplain. Triplicate samplings were undertaken monthly at each habitat from April 2007 to March 2008. The structure of the community of testate amoebae was different among the habitats. The species typical for each habitat, according to Indval, were classified by their shell morphology. Arcella species together with Difflugia gramen and Difflugia pseudogramem were more abundant for plankton. Trinema and Phryganella stood out by their abundance and frequency in aquatic macrophytes. Centropyxis was an indicator of sediment. The results indicated a higher frequency of hemispherical and spherical shells in plankton and spherical and elongated shells in aquatic macrophytes. In the sediment, there was a high frequency of elongated species. Our results support the hypothesis that the community of testate amoebae has different structures among the habitats, refuting the idea that the organization of this community in plankton is guided by random events like the resuspension of organisms from the sediment and their displacement from marginal vegetation.

Este estudo avaliou as diferenças na composição, abundância e morfologia das amebas testáceas entre diferentes hábitats de um mesmo ambiente aquático (plâncton, macrófitas aquáticas e sedimento) da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná. As amostras foram coletadas mensalmente no período de abril de 2007 a março de 2008. A estrutura da comunidade de amebas testáceas foi diferente entre os hábitats. As espécies típicas para cada hábitat, de acordo com o Indval, foram classificadas pela morfologia da teca. Espécies de Arcella, Difflugia gramen e Difflugia pseudogramem foram mais abundantes para o plâncton. Trinema e Phryganella destacaram-se pela alta abundância e frequência nas macrófitas aquáticas. Centropyxis foi considerado indicador do sedimento. Os resultados indicaram uma alta frequência de tecas esféricas e hemisféricas no plâncton e de tecas alongadas nas macrófitas aquáticas. No sedimento foi registrada uma maior frequência de espécies alongadas. Nossos resultados suportam a hipótese que a comunidade de amebas testáceas possui estrutura diferente entre os hábitats, refutando a ideia que a comunidade presente no plâncton é guiada por processos estocásticos como a ressuspensão dos organismos do sedimento e simples carreamento da vegetação marginal.

Inhibitory effect of Quassia amara Linn. crude bark extract on Entamoeba histolytica in vitro

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba histolytica is an important etiologic agent of diarrhea. Globally, it is estimated to infect 40 to 50 million people and cause 40,000 to 100,000 deaths per year. Metronidazole is effective but can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. In search of alternatives, traditional medicinal plants are being studied. Several plants in Family Simaroubaceae have shown anti-amoebic activity. Quassia amara, a member of this family has not been tested.OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Q. amara crude extract on Entamoeba histolytica in vitro.METHODS: Initial testing of 104 µg/ml ethanolic bark extract was performed. Counts were made after 72 hours. Three trials in triplicates were performed.Nine (9) dilutions of extract were then tested (18.8 to 5,00 µg/ml). Test tubes were checked for viable amoeba after 24-hour and 72-hour incubation. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for the two incubation periods. At least two trials in triplicates for each dilution were performed. metronidazole served as positive control.RESULTS: At 104 µg/ml incubated for 72 hours, no viable amoeba was obtained and counted. The MIC after 24 hours was 5,000 µg/ml, while the MIC at 72 hours was 37.5 µg/ml.CONCLUSION: Q. amara crude extract has inhibitory effects on E. histolycain vitro.

Potentially patoogenic free-living amoebae in sme flood-affected areas during 2011 chiang mai flood / Amebas potencialmente patogenicas de vida livre em algumas areas afetadas durante a inundacao de 2011 em Chiang Mai

SUMMARY The survey was carried out to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) during flood in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2011. From different crisis flood areas, seven water samples were collected and tested for the presence of amoebae using culture and molecular methods. By monoxenic culture, FLA were detected from all samples at 37 °C incubation. The FLA growing at 37 °C were morphologically identified as Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria spp. and some unidentified amoebae. Only three samples (42.8%), defined as thermotolerant FLA, continued to grow at 42 °C. By molecular methods, two non-thermotolerant FlA were shown to have 99% identity to Acanthamoeba sp. and 98% identity to Hartmannella vermiformis while the two thermotolerant FLA were identified as Echinamoeba exundans (100% identity) and Hartmannella sp. (99% identity). This first report of the occurrence of FLA in water during the flood disaster will provide information to the public to be aware of potentially pathogenic FLA. .

RESUMO A pesquisa foi feita para investigar a presença de amebas de vida livre (FLA) durante a inundação em Chiang Mai, Tailândia, ano de 2011. A partir de diferentes áreas de inundação sete amostras de água foram coletadas e testadas para a presença de amebas usando métodos moleculares e de cultura. Através da cultura monoxênica, FLA foi detectada em todas as amostras após incubação a 37 °C. As FLA crescendo a 37 °C foram identificadas morfologicamente como Acanthamoeba spp, Naegleria spp e algumas amebas não determinadas. Somente três amostras (42,8%) definidas como FLA termotolerantes continuaram a crescer a 42 °C. Por métodos moleculares duas FLA termotolerantes tiveram 99% de identidade com a Acanthamoeba sp e 98% de identidade com Hartmannella vermiformis enquanto as duas FLA termotolerantes foram identificadas como Echinamoeba exundans (100% de identidade) e Hartmannella sp (99% de identidade). Este primeiro relato da ocorrência de FLA em águas durante inundações informa ao público que ele deve estar atento de FLA potencialmente patogênica. .

Advances in studies on testate amoebae (Arcellinida and Euglyphida): a scientometric approach / Avanços nos estudos sobre amebas testáceas (Arcellinida e Euglyphida): uma abordagem cienciométrica

Testate amoebae have a great potential for use in scientific researches due to their ecological characteristics such as abundance, wealth, and generation time. In this way, this study aimed to present a scientometric analysis to describe the evolution of the different advances in researches on testate amoebae and identify a temporal pattern in this evolution. The literature review was based on papers indexed by Thomson Reuters (www.isiwebofknowledge.com) and SciVerse Scopus (www.scopus.com). In total 562 papers were examined. Results showed a pattern of evolution in scientific studies, most with ecological approach with descriptive and predictive designs. At the global level, researches on testate amoebae progressed in both the number of articles published as well as in the areas studied, especially in Europe and North America. The low number of experimental studies and review articles can characterize the lack of more knowledge to be acquired, both from particular observations (descriptive studies) as well as the observations noted sufficiently predictive of work. In Brazil, studies with testate amoebae are still developing, concentrated in only some regions, but the increased number of studies in recent years allows the prediction of the same overall patterns of advance for Brazilian researches. Thus, we conclude that these organisms are being increasingly used as a tool response in ecological studies.

Amebas testáceas possuem grande potencial de utilização em pesquisas de caráter científico pelas suas características ecológicas como abundância, riqueza, e tempo de geração. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar uma análise cienciométrica, a fim de descrever a evolução das diferentes abordagens nas pesquisas de tecamebas e identificar um padrão temporal nessa evolução. A revisão dos artigos científicos foi realizada com base nos artigos indexados pela base Thomson Reuters (www.isiwebofknowledge.com) e pela base SciVerse Scopus (www.scopus.com). Foram analisados 562 artigos científicos. Os resultados demonstraram um padrão de evolução nos trabalhos científicos, sendo a maioria de cunho ecológico com delineamentos descritivos e preditivos. Em âmbito global, as pesquisas com tecamebas apresentaram evolução tanto no número de artigos publicados bem como nas áreas estudadas, principalmente na Europa e América do Norte. O baixo número de trabalhos experimentais e de revisão pode caracterizar a falta de maiores conhecimentos a serem ainda adquiridos, tanto a partir das observações particulares (trabalhos descritivos) bem como das observações suficientemente constatadas dos trabalhos preditivos. No Brasil, as pesquisas com amebas testáceas ainda estão em processo de desenvolvimento, concentradas em apenas algumas regiões. Entretanto, o aumento no número de publicações nos últimos anos possibilita a previsão dos mesmos padrões de evolução globais para as pesquisas brasileiras. Assim, é possível concluir que esses organismos estão sendo cada vez mais utilizados como ferramenta resposta nos estudos ecológicos.