Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of free-living amoeba in the water resources of Arak, Iran. (9th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fani, Malihe; Fuerst, Paul A.; Mosayebi, Mahdi; Javadi, Amir; Harandi, Majid Fasihi; Saraei, Mehrzad; Badri, Milad; Hajialilo, Elham
• Is Part Of: Journal of water and health. Volume 20:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1051
• Page End: 1063
• Publication Date: 2022-06-09
• Subjects: Arak -- FLA -- genotype -- Iran -- phylogenetic study -- Stenamoeba; Water quality management -- Periodicals; Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Water quality -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Water -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Water -- Pollution -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Public Health; Water Pollution -- prevention & control; Quality Control; Water Microbiology; Water Supply -- standards; Health & Medicine (General); Hydrology; Environmental health; Water -- Health aspects; Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Water -- Pollution -- Health aspects; Water quality -- Health aspects; Water quality management; Water; Gezondheid; Periodical; Periodicals; 363.61
• DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-8920

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to detect free-living amoeba (FLA) in the water resources of Arak, Iran using molecular tools. A total of 154 samples were collected from different water supplies. Molecular analyses, sequencing, and phylogenetic study were conducted to confirm the species and genotypes of FLA. Fisher exact test was used to determine the significance. Of 154 water samples, 19 (12.3%) samples were tested positive for FLA. Three genotypes of Acanthamoeba including T4, subtype D, and T5 were identified among the isolates. The pathogenicity assay showed that the isolate of Acanthamoeba in drinking water was highly pathogenic. Three species of Naegleria, including N. australiensis, N. pagei, and N. gruberi were found among the samples. Six isolates of Vermamoeba were identified as V. vermiformis. Meanwhile, three other species including Vannella sp., Vahlkampfia avara, and Stenamoeba polymorpha were also recovered from the water samples. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the various water resources contaminated with FLA. This is the first study to reveal the presence of S. polymorpha in water sources in Iran. According to the findings of the present study, health officials should be beware of potential public health impacts of FLA in water resources. HIGHLIGHTS: Different species of Acanthamoeba, as well as Vermamoeba vermiformis, Naegleria australiensis, N. pagei, and N. gruberi were found in water resources. Three species of Vannella, as well as Vahlkampfia avara and Stenamoeba polymorpha were recovered from the water samples. This study is the first of its kind revealing the presence of S. polymorpha in Iran. Graphical Abstract