Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Reed Pifer, Rhonda Walters, Megan Thomas, Elise Miller, Valerie Harris, Jamie King, Christopher A. Rice, Paul Shannon, Brian Patterson, Monica Crary
Summary: This study found that certain contact lens materials can promote the aggregation and encystment of Acanthamoeba, and that Acanthamoeba spheroids obstruct the disinfection action of multi-purpose solutions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marcin Padzik, Lidia Chomicz, Julita Bluszcz, Karolina Maleszewska, Jaroslaw Grobelny, David Bruce Conn, Edyta B. Hendiger
Summary: Acanthamoeba spp. can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly in contact lens wearers. It has been found that silver nanoparticles combined with tannic acid-modified contact lens solutions can enhance their anti-adhesion activity with low cytotoxicity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Binod Rayamajhee, Nathan L. R. Williams, Nachshon Siboni, Kiri Rodgers, Mark Willcox, Fiona L. Henriquez, Justin R. Seymour, Jaimie Potts, Colin Johnson, Peter Scanes, Nicole Carnt
Summary: This study investigated the incidence and seasonal variation of pathogenic Acanthamoeba in coastal lagoons in Australia. It found that water abiotic factors and bacterial species were associated with Acanthamoeba incidence. The study highlights the need for public awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of amoebic keratitis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rhonda Walters, Allison Campolo, Elise Miller, Cindy McAnally, Manal Gabriel, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: The efficacy of preservative-free disinfection systems against bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba was evaluated. Clear Care and Clear Care Plus showed significantly greater disinfection efficacy against Acanthamoeba compared to the povidone-iodine-based Cleadew system. The antimicrobial efficacy was maintained regardless of the presence of contact lenses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Jen Wang, Sung-Chou Li, Wei-Chen Lin, Fu-Chin Huang
Summary: This study reveals the abundant anaerobic Gram-positive rods present in severe keratitis isolate and characterizes the association between Acanthamoeba and ocular flora in AK progression. Further analysis shows that Blautia producta is positively correlated with the disease course, while Bacteroides ovatus is abundant in early-stage keratitis isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Brian Patterson, Esther Lara, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a challenging infection of the cornea, and understanding the behavior of Acanthamoebae during contact lens use and disinfection can provide insights into their colonization and the efficacy of contact lens care solutions. In this study, Acanthamoeba behavior during and after disinfection with different contact lens care solutions was examined. The results showed that all contact lens care solutions significantly impacted Acanthamoeba motility, with the solution containing PHMB showing the most effectiveness. Post-disinfection, Acanthamoebae were observed to regain motility and travel considerable distances, posing a potential risk to ocular health.
Article
Ophthalmology
Memoona Arshad, Nicole Carnt, Jacqueline Tan, Fiona Stapleton
Summary: The study found that placing a no-water sticker on the contact lens case significantly reduced overall water exposure behaviors and storage case endotoxin levels in contact lens wearers. However, there were no significant changes in individual water-contact behaviors or overall storage case contamination.
Article
Microbiology
Edyta B. Hendiger, Marcin Padzik, Ines Sifaoui, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia, Diana Zyskowska, Marta Grodzik, Anna Pietruczuk-Padzik, Jacek Hendiger, Gabriela Oledzka, Lidia Chomicz, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe corneal infection that can be effectively reduced by incorporating silver nanoparticles into contact lens solutions without increasing cytotoxicity.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ananya Datta, Mark D. P. Willcox, Fiona Stapleton
Summary: This study examined the rate and level of microbial contamination of silver and non-silver barrel contact lens storage cases in vivo, finding that the use of silver cases does not reduce the overall rate and level of bacterial contamination, but can result in higher numbers of bacteria isolated from the cases when used in combination with hydrogel lenses.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nicole Carnt, Darwin C. Minassian, John K. G. Dart
Summary: This study aims to identify the risk factors for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in daily disposable (DD) contact lens users compared to daily wear (DW) reusable lens users and specific risks for DD users. It is important because CL use is the main cause of microbial keratitis in many major economies, with AK accounting for approximately 50% of sight loss cases. Determining these AK risks informs practitioner advice and consumer behavior.
Article
Microbiology
Anna C. Randag, Lieke de Kroon, Henny Otten, Cindy Arias Claro-Handgraaf, Barbara Schimmer, Titia Kortbeek, Jeroen van Rooij, Foekje F. Stelma
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of contact lens solutions available on the Dutch market against Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. The results show that only a few solutions provide sufficient effectiveness against trophozoites, but none against cysts. These findings underline the importance of proper hygiene when handling contact lenses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Min-Jeong Kim, Ki-Back Chu, Hae-Ahm Lee, Fu-Shi Quan, Hyun-Hee Kong, Eun-Kyung Moon
Summary: Contact lens usage has led to an increase in the incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious corneal infection. This study developed a polyclonal CE antibody that specifically detects multiple species of Acanthamoeba, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Article
Microbiology
Allison Campolo, Paul Shannon, Monica Crary
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious ocular infection caused by a ubiquitous amoeba, often resulting in corneal damage and blindness. Testing the antimicrobial efficacy of contact lens care products is crucial in treating this infection, with propidium iodide staining shown to be an effective and rapid tool for evaluating the effectiveness of these products against Acanthamoeba trophozoites.
Article
Ophthalmology
Sabrina Mukhtar, Sarah Atta, Asad Durrani, Chandrashan Perera, Regis Kowalski, Vishal Jhanji
Summary: The degree of microbiological agreement between corneal scrapings and contact lens cultures in cases of contact lens-associated keratitis was investigated. The results showed that although there was disagreement in the microbiological yield, contact lens cultures were useful in managing patients and achieved similar outcomes to corneal scrapings.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Rosnani Hanim Mohd Hussain, Wan Nur Afiqah, Mohamed Kamel Abdul Ghani, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Tengku Shahrul Anuar
Summary: The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis is increasing, largely due to ineffective contact lens disinfecting solutions. This study found that multi-purpose disinfecting solutions did not show significant effects against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts within the recommended disinfectant time. Improvement or new development of solutions is necessary to reduce the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis among contact lens users.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beni J. M. Chauque, Marilise B. Rott
Summary: The study investigated the inactivation of chlorine-resistant microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba castellanii, through the photolysis of sodium chloride and sodium hypochlorite in water. The results showed that photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl was effective in eliminating A. castellanii, expanding the list of microorganisms that can be inactivated by this method and demonstrating its potential for treating swimming pool water and wastewater.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Luan Cleber Henker, Marina Paula Lorenzett, Denise Leal dos Santos, Veridiana Gomes Virginio, David Driemeier, Marilise Brittes Rott, Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
Summary: This report describes a fatal case of N. fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in a cow in Southern Brazil, with histopathological and etiological findings confirming the presence of N. fowleri. Molecular assays showed a 99% similarity between the N. fowleri sequence in the cow and a sequence in GenBank. This is the first molecular detection of N. fowleri in a case of cattle meningoencephalitis in Latin America and the first GenBank deposit of N. fowleri identified in Brazil. The second occurrence of N. fowleri-related disease in the same city highlights the importance of local infection by this ameba and the potential risk for human infections.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl, Julia Paes, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: A new technique for amoeba cloning is described, where cells are scraped from agar and inoculated in isolated squares in a new agar medium to prevent cell invasion and improve reliability and efficiency of the cloning process.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl, Julia Paes, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: The Acanthamoeba genus is widely prevalent globally, causing Acanthamoeba keratitis primarily in Asia and Europe. The T4 genotype is the most common worldwide, with variations in pathology and treatment susceptibility among different genotypes. Genotyping isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases is essential for better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities and successful treatment.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Julia Paes, Renata Kepler, Rodrigo Fernandes Goncalves, Francisco Kercher Berte, Veridiana Gomes Virginio, Lisianne Brittes Benitez, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: The study successfully isolated FLA and identified ARB using simple and low-cost methods, providing guidance for water quality control in anthropogenic environments.
Article
Parasitology
Denise Leal dos Santos, Veridiana Gomes Virginio, Francisco Kercher Berte, Karina Rodrigues Lorenzatto, Diane Ruschel Marinho, Sergio Kwitko, Claudete Ines Locatelli, Eduarda Correa Freitas, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: This study reported the clinical and molecular diagnosis outcomes of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases in the southern region of Brazil during the summer of 2019. The presence of a bacterial endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba isolates requires further research to understand its potential role in the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba infections.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yrna Lorena Matos de Oliveira, Erica Tirzah Santos Lima, Marilise Brittes Rott, Roberta Pereira Miranda Fernandes, Sona Jain, Marcus Vinicius de Aragao Batista, Silvio Santana Dolabella
Summary: This study evaluated the occurrence and molecular diversity of Acanthamoeba spp. in aquatic environments in northeastern Brazil and identified the pathogenic potential of isolated samples, confirming the presence of Acanthamoeba and its pathogenicity in these environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Denise Leal dos Santos, Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chauque, Veridiana Gomes Virginio, Virgilio Carmenia Cossa, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Henri Stephan Schrekker, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: This article discusses the importance of One Health approaches in relation to Naegleria fowleri. The study reveals that climate change plays a major role in the growth and dispersion of the pathogen, and addresses issues such as temperature changes, antimicrobial resistance, and the transmission of other microorganisms. It emphasizes the urgency of diagnostic methods, development of new drugs, and environmental control measures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chauque, Denise Leal dos Santos, Davood Anvari, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: The prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters is considerable, and regular monitoring and proper disinfection are necessary. The prevalence varies across different regions, detection methods, and genera of FLA.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chauque, Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva, Denise Leal dos Santos, Guilherme Brittes Benitez, Leosvilda Gomes Henriques Chauque, Antonio Domingues Benetti, Regis Adriel Zanette, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: The ubiquitous free-living amoebae (FLA) are microorganisms of significant medical, sanitary, and ecological importance. However, their characterization within solid matrices such as soil, dust, sediment, mud, sludge, and compost remain to be systematized. In this study, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to explore the global distribution of FLA in solid matrices. The analysis of 104 out of 4,414 scientific articles revealed that FLA prevalence in solid matrices was 55.13% globally. Soil had the highest prevalence (72.40%), followed by sediment (57.91%), mud (52.90%), dust (48.60%), and sewage sludge (40.19%). Acanthamoeba spp. (52.23%) and Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp. (36.06%) were the most prevalent FLA species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brenda Teixeira Scardini Marinho, Denise Leal dos Santos, Daniel Leal dos Santos, Marilise Rott
Summary: This study aimed to detect FLA such as Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba sp., and Naegleria sp. in the waters of Porto Alegre, Brazil. A one-liter water sample was collected during the summer of 2022 and results showed the presence of FLA of the genera Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, and Naegleria in the study areas. Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of V. vermiformis and Naegleria gruberi. These findings provide valuable information for public health regarding the spread and contamination of FLA in aquatic environments.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva, Daniel Leal dos Santos, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: This study aimed to identify Free-living amoebae (FLA) present in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The results showed the presence of Acanthamoeba genus in 100% of the samples, with Acanthamoeba lenticulata and Acanthamoeba polyphaga species, which are associated with pathogenicity. This research is important for public health as the sewage release environment may pose risks to individuals' health.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Larissa Pinto, Marilise Rott, Mylena de Souza Barsch, Josibetane Dantas Cruz, Talita Rocchetti, Maria Zorat Yu, Viviane Sant'Ana, Ana Hofling-Lima Farah, Denise Freitas
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Parasitology
Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chauque, Marilise Brittes Rott
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chauque, Antonio Domingues Benetti, Gertrudes Corcao, Carlos Eugenio Silva, Rodrigo Fernandes Goncalves, Marilise B. Rott
Summary: The continuous-flow solar water disinfection system effectively inactivates various microorganisms and has the potential to be an alternative solution for large-scale public drinking water supply. Operating at a rate of processing 1 liter of water every 90 seconds, the system has shown significant promise in ensuring safe and clean drinking water for communities lacking access to proper water treatment facilities.
PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
