Detection of Free Living Amoeba Acanthamoeba in the Nasal and Oral Discharges of HIV + / HIV­ Sample in Arak

Abstract

Background & objectives: Impaired immune system provides favorable conditions for colonization by Acanthamoeba in the human body. In this case control study, we compared the molecular and culture methods in identifying Acanthamoeba in the nasal and oral secretions of HIV + /HIVhuman. Methods: In a current case control study, nasal and oral discharge of 53, HIV + patients and 53, HIVpeople were evaluated. The nasal and oral secretions of each patient were prepared by sterile swabs and transferred to the laboratory. All samples were cultured but only the positive samples used for molecular analysis. Results: By cultivation method, of the 53, HIV + patients, a total of 11 samples, including 5 nasal and 6 oral samples, were contaminated with Acanthamoeba. Of the 53, HIV-people, 3 samples of nasal discharge were contaminated with this parasite. The molecular method approved the contamination of 10 samples, including 5 oral and 5 nasal samples from HIV + patients with this parasite. Statistical analysis showed the rate of infection in HIV + patients was significantly different compared to HIVpeople Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that the rate of Acanthamoeba infection in HIV + patients was higher than that of HIVindividuals. Also, considering that in the control group (HIV-individuals) only the nasal discharge were infected with the parasite, it seems that in the case group (HIV + patients) the infection of the oral discharge with the parasites is due to the entry of its cysts into the nose and transmission to the mouth .

Molecular identification of Acanthamoeba genotypes isolated from oral cavity of heart transplant patients in Iran

“…Their study showed, out of 53 HIV+ patients 11 samples were positive with Acanthamoeba, and in HIV-participants 3 positive samples have been found. 30 A. lenticulata which is isolated from the majority of our positive cases is indicating its ability to colonize immunosuppressed patients.…”

“…In another study, researchers compared identifying Acanthamoeba in the nasal and oral samples of HIV+/HIV‐ humans. Their study showed, out of 53 HIV+ patients 11 samples were positive with Acanthamoeba , and in HIV‐ participants 3 positive samples have been found 30 …”