Determining the Genotype of Acanthamoeba Strains Isolated From the Oral and Nasal Cavities of Individuals With Immunodeficiency

Abstract

Background and Objectives Acanthamoeba can cause serious diseases in humans such as amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis which are most common in immunocompromised individuals. The present study aims to investigate the genotype of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from the oral and nasal cavities of immunocompromised individuals. Subjects and Methods In this study, the samples from the oral and nasal cavities of 179 patients with immunodeficiency were first collected by swap and then transferred to the laboratory of the department of parasitology at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. They were cultured in basic agar medium and positive samples were used for molecular studies. Results Of 179 patients, the samples of 6 people were positive for Acanthamoeba. They were sequenced and belonged to the T4 genotype. There was a significant difference between positive samples obtained from oral (4%) and nasal (1.5%) cavities. Conclusion The prevalence of infection with Acanthamoeba parasite is higher in immunocompromised individuals.