Detection and co-occurrence of Acanthamoeba and Klebsiella pneumoniae in freshwater river systems of Taichung, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: This study focuses on the detection and co-occurrence of Acanthamoeba and Klebsiella pneumoniae in freshwater river systems. Both microorganisms are known for their pathogenic potential, with Acanthamoeba capable of causing infections such as amoebic keratitis, and K. pneumoniae being a common cause of community infections. Understanding their presence and distribution in natural aquatic environments can provide insights into potential public health risks, especially in regions with significant human-water interactions.

Method: Water samples were collected from five major hydrophilic environments in Taichung, Taiwan. Polymerase chain reaction assays were employed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba and K. pneumoniae. In addition to microbial detection, environmental parameters, including temperature, pH, reactive oxygen species, and water hardness, were measured to assess their potential influence on microbial presence. Data analysis focused on identifying patterns of detection and co-occurrence between the two microorganisms.

Results: The study revealed variable detection rates of both Acanthamoeba and K. pneumoniae across the five sampling sites. Co-occurrence of the two microorganisms was observed at several locations, indicating their potential interaction in the environment. While water quality parameters were measured, no strong correlation was found between these factors and microbial detection rates. The widespread distribution of both organisms highlights their resilience in diverse freshwater environments. However, this study did not include virulence factor analysis, and the role of environmental conditions in modulating bacterial pathogenicity remains speculative.

Conclusion: This research demonstrates that Acanthamoeba and K. pneumoniae are both prevalent in the freshwater ecosystems of Taichung, Taiwan, with notable instances of co-occurrence. Although environmental parameters such as temperature and pH did not significantly influence detection rates, the presence of these organisms in frequently accessed water bodies may pose significant public health risks. Further research is necessary to explore the ecological interactions of these microorganisms and assess their potential impact on human health, particularly in regions with high human activity near freshwater sources.