Potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae isolated from hospital wards with immunodeficient patients in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in immunodeficiency wards of hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 70 dust and biofilm samples from wards serving transplant, pediatric (malignancies), HIV, leukemia and oncology patients of five university hospitals were collected and examined for the presence of FLA using culturing and molecular approaches. Based on the morphology of the amoebae in plate cultures, primer sets were applied for molecular identification of Acanthamoeba, vahlkampfiid amoebae and Hartmannella. Out of 70 samples, 37 (52.9%) were positive for FLA. Acanthamoeba belonged to the T4 genotype was the most prevalent isolate. Presence of the T4 genotype on medical instruments, including an oxygen mask in an isolation room of an immunodeficiency pediatric ward, should be of concern for health authorities. Acanthamoeba T5 genotypes, Hartmannella vermiformis, and Vahlkampfia avara were also present. These results highlight a clear need for greater attention to improved disinfection, especially where susceptible patients, such as those who are immune-suppressed, are served. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these FLA in immunodeficiency wards in Iran, and also the first to identify Acanthamoeba T5, Hartmannella, and Vahlkampfia in moist habitats, such as biofilms, in this country.

Acanthamoeba contamination of hemodialysis and dental units in Alexandria, Egypt: A neglected potential source of infection

“…To our knowledge, the present study is the first study to investigate Acanthamoeba contamination of hemodialysis and dental units in Alexandria. The present study uncovered the potential contamination of hemodialysis and dental units with Acanthamoeba, which has gained increasing interest as a contaminant of of dust and biofilm samples from hospital wards serving immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran [26]. Patients in hemodialysis units are also immunocompromised and therefore, more attention should be paid to the possible contamination of hemodialysis units with Acanthamoeba spp.…”

Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba Isolated from Environmental Sources in Kashan, Central Iran

“…In previous studies, the prevalence of free-living amoebae in the immunodeficiency wards of hospitals was reported to be 52.9% (17) and 42.8% (18) in Tehran, Iran, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp.…”

Isolation of Vermamoeba vermiformis and associated bacteria in hospital water

“…[1,24] and, occasionally, Vahlkampfia sp. [25]. The purpose of our study was to first isolate amoebae from water samples taken from three different hospitals in Marseille (France).…”