Author/Authors :
FALLAH, Esmaeil Immunology Research Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , JAFARPOUR, Zahra Immunology Research Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , MAHAMI-OSKOUEI, Mahmoud Immunology Research Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , HAGHIGHI, Ali Dept. of Parasitology - School of Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , NIYYATI, Maryam Dept. of Parasitology - School of Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , SPOTIN, Adel Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology - Faculty of Medicine - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , KHEZRI, Aram Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology - Faculty of Medicine - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic amphizoic protozoan found in
different fresh water sources. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize
Acanthamoeba isolates from surface resting waters, in Northwest Iran.
Methods: Samples were collected from twenty-two different areas, between May
and Sep 2014. After filtration, samples were cultivated on non-nutrient agar. The
extracted DNAs were amplified and sequenced using partial 18S rRNA in order to
genotype and phylogenetic analyses.
Results: Thirty-four (68%) out of 50 collected samples were positive for freeliving
amoebae based on both culture and morphological characterizations but 28
samples were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. by PCR. Sequentially, one isolate was
identified as A. lenticulata, (T5) (AN: KP940443, identity 99.7%-100%, and divergence
0.3%) whilst other sequenced isolates identified Acanthamoeba spp. (AN:
KP940444-45) as very similar to A. rhysodes and A. royreba with identity 100% and
divergence 0%.
Conclusion: Surface resting waters in Northwest Iran, were potentially contaminated
with pathogenic amphizoic protozoan. Further studies will be required to
determine other Acanthamoeba species and genotypes in the region.
Keywords :
Acanthamoeba , Surface water , PCR , Iran
