Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in groundwater sources in a rural area in the Philippines

Abstract

Research on free-living amoebae (FLA) and its public health implication as an etiologic agent of parasitic infection in humans has recently gained traction in the Philippines. This study aimed to identify potential FLAs in collected groundwater samples from Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines. Fifty-four (54) water samples were collected in 250-mL sterile polyethylene containers by purposive sampling from selected groundwater sources in six (6) barangays of Masinloc. The samples were vacuum filtered through a 1.2-μm pore glass microfiber filter, cultured onto non-nutrient agar (NNA) lawned with Escherichia coli, and observed microscopically for amoebic growth for 14 days using light microscopy. Amoebic growth is observed in 11.1% (6/54) of water samples. DNAs from positive samples were extracted and were made to react with polymerase chain reaction using Acanthamoeba-specific JDP1 (5′-GGCCCAGATCGTTTACCGTGAA-3′) and JDP2 (5′-TCTCACAAGCTGCTAGGGAGTCA-3′) primers, and universal primer Euk A (5′-AACCTGGTTGATCCTGCCAGT-3′) and Euk B (5′-TGATCCTTCTGCAGGTTCACCTAC-3′). The presence of Acanthamoeba genotypes T4, T7, and T11 was confirmed using molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Our results confirmed that groundwater sources from two of six sampling sites (33.3%) in Masinloc, Zambales, are contaminated with potentially pathogenic FLAs. Proper identification of risk factors that may cause contamination consequently leads to the implementation of programs that will prevent future infections.

Acanthamoeba keratitis: Molecular typing of Acanthamoeba species directly from ocular tissue

“…drinking (tap and bottled) and recreational (swimming pools, spas and beaches), well water and groundwater ( de Lacerda and Lira, 2021 ; Masangkay et al, 2022 ). Reports performing genotyping on water samples have indicated that genotypes are present which are known to cause human disease including the dominant T4 genotype ( Putaporntip et al, 2021 ; Padua et al, 2023 ). In addition to T4, we report the T3 genotype from individuals presenting with AK, which is similar to previous reports from three continents supporting its association with this disease ( Diehl et al, 2021 ).…”

Amebic encephalitis and meningoencephalitis: an update on epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment

“…It also has a worldwide distribution, and it has been detected in a variety of niches, including natural freshwater sources (e.g. hot springs, groundwater, and spring water), air conditioning units, and even public swimming pools in some countries [25 ▪ ,29,32–35]. Furthermore, Acanthamoeba has been detected in drinking water systems in many countries, including 51% of households sampled in one US study [36,37].…”