Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2022 Sep;67(3):1384-1392.
doi: 10.1007/s11686-022-00596-4. Epub 2022 Jul 21.

The Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: First Time Detection of Acanthamoeba T5 Genotype from Keratitis Patients in Turkey

Derya Dirim Erdogan  1 , Mehmet Aykur  2   3 , Nur Selvi Gunel  4 , Melis Palamar  5 , Ozlem Barut Selver  5 , Buket Ozel  4 , Ayse Yagci  5 , Cumhur Gunduz  4 , Hande Dagci  2
Affiliations

The Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: First Time Detection of Acanthamoeba T5 Genotype from Keratitis Patients in Turkey

Derya Dirim Erdogan et al. Acta Parasitol. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to investigate Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis cases (n = 60), in contact lens (CL) and lens care solutions of asymptomatic CL users (n = 41), and to identify the genotypes in positive samples. The secondary aim is to assess the risk factors and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients.

Methods: All samples from patients and asymptomatic CL users were examined by microscopy and inoculated in non-nutrient agar plates. PCR was performed using the DNA isolated from corneal scrapings, CL and lens care solution samples. Positive DNA samples were sequenced to determine the genotype of Acanthamoeba.

Results: In none of the samples, Acanthamoeba was identified by microscopy, while Acanthamoeba was detected in a patient with keratitis by culture method. However, Acanthamoeba was detected in 11.66% (7/60) of the keratitis patients by PCR. The genotypes of these isolates detected by sequencing were T4 (4), and T5 (3). Acanthamoeba was detected in none of the samples of asymptomatic CL users by any of the three methods.

Conclusion: To best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect T5 genotype in AK patients from Turkey. In addition, the CL use was found to be an important risk factor for AK.

Keywords: Acanthamoeba; Contact lens; Cornea; Genotype; Keratitis; T5.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Zanella J, Costa SOP, Zacaria J, Echeverrigaray S (2012) A Rapid and Reliable Method for the Clonal Isolation of Acanthamoeba from Environmental Samples. Braz Arch Biol Technol 55(1):1–6. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-89132012000100001 - DOI
    1. Koyun İ, Kolören Z, Karaman Ü, Tsiami A, Karanis.P, (2020) Acanthamoeba Spp in River Water Samples from the Black Sea Region. Turkey J Water Health 18(2):186–199. https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2020.170 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Khan NA (2006) Acanthamoeba: Biology and Increasing Importance in Human Health. FEMS Microbiol Rev 30:564–595. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6976.2006.00023.x - DOI - PubMed
    1. Memari F, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Jonaydi Z (2016) Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba Strains Isolated from the Oral Cavity of Immunosuppressed Individuals in Tehran. Iran Acta Parasitol 61:451–455. https://doi.org/10.1515/ap-2016-0060 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Lorenzo-Morales J, Martin-Navarro CM, Lopez-Arencibia A, Arnalich-Montiel F, Pinero JE, Valladares B (2013) Acanthamoeba Keratitis: an Emerging Disease Gathering Importance Worldwide? Trends Parasitol 29(4):181–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2013.01.006 - DOI - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources