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Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba Strains from Dental Units in Costa Rica
Author(s) -
RetanaMoreira Lissette,
AbrahamsSandí Elizabeth,
CastroArtavia Esteban,
FernándezSánchez Ana,
CastroCastillo Alfredo,
ReyesBatlle María,
LorenzoMorales Jacob
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of eukaryotic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 1066-5234
DOI - 10.1111/jeu.12229
Subject(s) - acanthamoeba , biology , genotyping , protozoa , naegleria , isolation (microbiology) , microbiology and biotechnology , genotype , pathogenicity , genetics , gene
Abstract Free‐living amoebae are protozoa widely distributed in nature, which can be found in a variety of environments. Four genera are recognized as causal agents of infections in humans and animals: Acanthamoeba , Naegleria , Balamuthia , and Sappinia . In this study, the presence of Acanthamoeba in dental units was determined and the isolates obtained were molecularly characterized; osmotolerance and thermotolerance assays were also performed to evaluate multiplication under these conditions, frequently associated with pathogenicity. The morphological analysis and partial sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 in 14% of the units sampled. Osmotolerance and thermotolerance tests were positive for more than 80% of the isolates. Up to date, this is the first study that reports the detection, identification, and genotyping of Acanthamoeba isolated from dental units in Costa Rica and even in Latin‐America. Further assays to determine the potential pathogenicity of these Acanthamoeba isolates are underway.