Ahu Nakhaei Madih, Mehrnaz Sadat Ravari, Maysam Yousefi, Mohsen Ehsan, Elham Akhlaghi, Hosein Kamyabi, Amir Shafiee, Majid Fasihi Harandi
{"title":"HLA class II profile in patients with different stages of cystic echinococcosis according to the WHO ultrasound imaging classification.","authors":"Ahu Nakhaei Madih, Mehrnaz Sadat Ravari, Maysam Yousefi, Mohsen Ehsan, Elham Akhlaghi, Hosein Kamyabi, Amir Shafiee, Majid Fasihi Harandi","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08353-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-024-08353-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The factors involving in the natural history and determinants of different features of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) are not adequately understood. Several host-related factors including the genetic structure of the host and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are believed to be involved in the natural history of CE in humans. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between HLA class II genes and active and inactive stages of hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Echinococcus granulosus cyst samples and patient information were collected from the biobank of the Iranian Hydatid Disease Registry from 2019 to 2022. HLA-DRB and HLA-DQB were characterized by PCR method. CE patients were categorized into three active (CE1 and CE2), inactive (CE4 and CE5), and transitional (CE3) stages according to the WHO ultrasound classification of CE. In total, 77 participants including 38 patients (36.8% men and 63.2% women) with different stages of CE as well as 39 healthy individuals (38.5% men and 61.5% women) were included in the study. Findings of the study showed that the frequency of HLA-DRB1*03 was significantly lower in the patients compared to the healthy individuals. The frequencies of HLA-DQB and HLA-DRB alleles were not differed significantly between active, inactive, and transitional stages of E. granulosus cysts. Findings of this study indicate the potential role of this allele in the susceptibility of human to cystic echinococcosis. Further large-scale studies in different endemic countries are required to document the significance of HLA-DQB and HLA-DRB as a host-related factor in the natural history of CE in human.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"123 9","pages":"330"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Roshmi Biswas, Daniel Barčák, Mikuláš Oros, Bhairab Kumar Patra, Jit Marick, Anirban Ash
{"title":"Taxonomic inflation or hidden diversity: unveiling the fact surrounds Lytocestus indicus (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea).","authors":"Roshmi Biswas, Daniel Barčák, Mikuláš Oros, Bhairab Kumar Patra, Jit Marick, Anirban Ash","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08336-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-024-08336-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The tapeworms belonging to the order Caryophyllidea (Platyhelminthes, Eucestoda) represent a widespread group of intestinal parasites found in cypriniform and siluriform fishes. This group comprises four families (Balanotaeniidae, Capingentidae, Caryophyllaeidae, Lytocestidae), 42 genera and approximately 130 described species. Additionally, over a hundred new taxa have been reported from India. While many of these taxa are endemic and have unique evolutionary importance, a considerable number of putative new taxa were also invalidated because the quality and reliability of the published data did not meet the requirements. Various researchers have synonymised 28 species into a single representative, Lytocestus indicus (Moghe, 1925) Woodland, 1926. Consequently, L. indicus was chosen as a model organism to investigate whether there is taxonomic inflation or hidden diversity. Newly collected specimens of L. indicus were subjected to various fixatives for morphological assessment, and hologenophores of the same were obtained to determine whether true variations exist in their genotype or if they are merely fixation-induced variations. Despite morphological variations associated with fixation, molecular data indicated that they were indeed the same specimens. The taxonomic status of 43 new taxa was critically evaluated, with most of them tentatively synonymised with L. indicus. Others were also found to be conspecific with L. indicus but were classified as unavailable names based on their first description in unpublished dissertations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"123 9","pages":"331"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julia Martini Falkenberg, Vitória Maria Moreira de Lima, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Ana Carolina Figueiredo Lacerda
{"title":"Drivers of richness and abundance of parasites of fishes from an intermittent river before and after an interbasin water transfer in the Brazilian semi-arid region","authors":"Julia Martini Falkenberg, Vitória Maria Moreira de Lima, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Ana Carolina Figueiredo Lacerda","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08332-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08332-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study examined the metrics of the macroparasite community in fishes from the Jaguaribe River basin, state of Ceará, before and after receiving water from the São Francisco River in Northeastern Brazil. This research assessed the association of environmental factors (water parameters) and the traits of 30 fish species on the parasite richness and abundance across space (river course) and time (seasons, pre- and post-transposition periods). Generalized linear models reveal associations between parasite metrics and host traits, water parameters, and river sub-basin. Host size and body condition positively correlated with parasite richness and abundance, while reproductive phase was negatively related. Water quality impacted ecto- and endoparasites differently, with seasonal and sub-basins variations and differences among sub-basins. The general models also indicate that the period is a significant variable, where parasite richness decreases while abundance increases in the post-transposition period. This study underscores the importance of considering diverse environmental and host variables for understanding parasite dynamics in river ecosystems. These findings could lead to valuable insights for ecosystem management and conservation, elucidating the potential consequences of environmental alterations on parasite-host interactions and ecosystem health.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sinem Akdeniz, Gozde Nur Akkus, Beyza Avci, Aycan N. Gazyagci, Kader Yildiz
{"title":"Crossroad between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of Mesocestoides litteratus: mesocestodiasis in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye","authors":"Sinem Akdeniz, Gozde Nur Akkus, Beyza Avci, Aycan N. Gazyagci, Kader Yildiz","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08337-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08337-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study aimed to report the presence of <i>Mesocestoides litteratus</i> in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye. Gravid segments were examined microscopically in the faeces of dogs from different shelters located in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces in the central region of Türkiye. Then, genomic DNA obtained from these segments, a 446-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene, and a 350-bp fragment of mitochondrial 12S rRNA were amplified and sequenced. BLASTn search was performed. During light microscopic examination, an egg-filled paruterine organ was observed in the middle part of the segment. Thin-shelled, oval, 35-µm-diameter parasite eggs containing an oncosphere with three pairs of hooklets were observed. The gravid segments were determined as <i>Mesocestoides</i> spp. based on the appearance of the typical paruterine organ. PCR results supported our diagnosis; moreover, according to the BLAST results, it was detected that the species infecting two dogs was 98.01–100% similar to <i>M. litteratus</i>. Praziquantel-containing medication was administered to the infected dogs at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Foxes act as the final host of <i>M. litteratus</i> and the parasite is prevalent in wildlife; however, these animals may disperse the parasite in urban life. Veterinarians need to be made more aware of this parasite, especially if the dogs are owned from shelters.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haley R. Dutton, Stephen A. Bullard, John H. Brule, Anita M. Kelly
{"title":"Redescription of Dracovermis occidentalis (Digenea: Liolopidae) infecting American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis from the Bon-Secour River (Mobile–Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, USA) and a revised phylogeny for Liolopidae","authors":"Haley R. Dutton, Stephen A. Bullard, John H. Brule, Anita M. Kelly","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08339-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08339-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We examined several American alligators, <i>Alligator mississippiensis</i> (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) from Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina in August 2022. The intestine of one alligator from Alabama was infected by <i>Dracovermis occidentalis</i> Brooks and Overstreet, 1978 (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Liolopidae Odhner, 1912), a seldom collected and incompletely described trematode that lacks a representative nucleotide sequence. Liolopidae comprises 5 genera and 15 species: <i>Liolope</i> spp. infect giant salamanders; <i>Helicotrema</i> spp. infect turtles and lizards; <i>Harmotrema</i> spp. infect snakes; <i>Paraharmotrema</i> spp. infect turtles; and <i>Dracovermis</i> spp. infect crocodilians. Based on our study of the newly collected specimens and the holotype of <i>D. occidentalis</i>, we redescribe <i>D. occidentalis</i>, correct errors in its original description, and provide an updated phylogeny for Liolopidae that, for the first time, includes <i>Dracovermis</i> Brooks and Overstreet, 1978. Our specimens were identified as <i>D. occidentalis</i> by having testes in the posterior 1/3 of the body, a pretesticular cirrus sac, a spined and eversible cirrus, a bipartite seminal vesicle, and a post-acetabular vitellarium. A phylogenetic analysis of the D1–D3 domains of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (<i>28S</i>) recovered Liolopidae as monophyletic; however, low taxon sampling in the group precludes hypothesis-testing about liolopid-vertebrate cophyly. This is the first collection for morphological study of the type species for <i>Dracovermis</i> since the genus was proposed 46 years ago, the first record of a liolopid from Alabama, and the first phylogenetic analysis that includes <i>Dracovermis</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Molecular characterization of anopheline species diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, with a particular emphasis on Anopheles barbirostris","authors":"Vidhya Thiruvoth Pachalil, Bhavna Gupta, Anwesh Maile, Ittoop Pulikkottil Sunish","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08348-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08348-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigates anopheline species diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, employing morphological and molecular methods, focusing on the D3 domain of 28S rRNA (D3) and second internal spacer (ITS2). Ten Anopheline species were identified morphologically and confirmed with molecular markers. While the D3 region demonstrated low level of inter- and intra-specific genetic distance in all the species, ITS2 revealed clear barcoding gap. Among the ten species, <i>A. barbirostris</i> exhibited significant diversity when compared with the sequences from other countries available in GenBank. Further analyses of additional samples of <i>A. barbirostris</i> were carried out using ITS2 and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) markers. Limited variations among the sequences from the islands were observed, suggesting a prevalent single molecular form. However, when compared with the GenBank sequences, our samples formed a separate cluster closely related to the A3 species. The genetic distance between our samples and the A3 cluster was 0.02 for COI but very high (0.104) for ITS2, suggesting a potentially new molecular form or species in the island region. This warrants a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of <i>A. barbirostris</i> in these islands at both genetic and morphometric levels. Overall, these observations added-up the new knowledge in the understanding of anopheline diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and highlight the necessity for continuous molecular investigations to unravel complexities within mosquito population dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of a highly specific LAMP assay for detection of Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis gigantea in sheep","authors":"Yajie Chen, Jing Peng, Zifu Zhu, Wen Zhang, Lifang Wang, Jianhai Xu, Qun Liu, Jing Liu","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08349-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08349-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Sarcocystis</i> infection in sheep has caused significant economic losses in the livestock industry, and the genetic similarity among <i>Sarcocystis</i> species highlights the need for precise diagnostic methods in sheep. This study developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method targeting <i>COX-1</i> and <i>28S rRNA</i> genes to detect <i>Sarcocystis tenella</i> and <i>Sarcocystis gigantea</i>, respectively. The LAMP method exhibited high specificity, selectively amplifying target DNA sequences without cross-reactivity with closely related protozoa, such as <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Neospora caninum</i>. Detection limits were determined as 3 × 10<sup>5</sup> copies/L for <i>S. tenella</i> and 6 × 10<sup>4</sup> copies/L for <i>S. gigantea</i>, enabling sensitive identification of low-level infections. Comparative analysis with conventional PCR on sheep cardiac tissues demonstrated a higher LAMP detection rate (80.0% vs 66.7%). In conclusion, the LAMP method offers superior sensitivity to conventional PCR, allows visual confirmation of results, and provides a rapid diagnostic tool for identifying <i>S. tenella</i> and <i>S. gigantea</i> infection in sheep. However, due to the limitation of sample availability, we were unable to assess all <i>Sarcocystis</i> species that use sheep as intermediate hosts, which warrants further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shumaila Naz, Muhammed Nalcaci, Obaid Hayat, Seray Toz, Azhar Minhas, Shahid Waseem, Yusuf Ozbel
{"title":"Genetic diversity and epidemiological insights into cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan: a comprehensive study on clinical manifestations and molecular characterization of Leishmania species","authors":"Shumaila Naz, Muhammed Nalcaci, Obaid Hayat, Seray Toz, Azhar Minhas, Shahid Waseem, Yusuf Ozbel","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08344-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08344-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) stands out as a significant vector-borne endemic in Pakistan. Despite the rising incidence of CL, the genetic diversity of <i>Leishmania</i> species in the country’s endemic regions remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of <i>Leishmania</i> species in CL-endemic areas of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Punjab in Pakistan. Clinical samples from 300 CL patients were put to microscopic examination, real-time ITS-1 PCR, and sequencing. Predominantly affecting males between 16 to 30 years of age, with lesions primarily on hands and faces, the majority presented with nodular and plaque types. Microscopic analysis revealed a positivity rate of 67.8%, while real-time PCR identified 60.98% positive cases, mainly <i>L. tropica</i>, followed by <i>L. infantum</i> and <i>L. major. Leishmania major</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.009) showed substantially greater variation in nucleotide sequences than <i>L. tropica</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.07) and <i>L. infantum</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.03)<i>.</i> Nucleotide diversity analysis indicated higher diversity in <i>L. major and L. infantum</i> compared to <i>L. tropica.</i> This study enhances our understanding of CL epidemiology in Pakistan, stressing the crucial role of molecular techniques in accurate species identification. The foundational data provided here emphasizes the necessity for future research to investigate deeper into genetic diversity and its implications for CL control at both individual and community levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Francesco Chiesa, Isabel Cristina Ribeiro Pires, Carmen Gonzalez Duarte, Selene Rubiola
{"title":"Gross lesions associated with Sarcocystis miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption: the importance of trained hunters to ensure animal health surveillance and food safety","authors":"Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Francesco Chiesa, Isabel Cristina Ribeiro Pires, Carmen Gonzalez Duarte, Selene Rubiola","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08342-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08342-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Sarcocystis</i> is a genus of protozoa with a worldwide distribution infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. Wild boars can harbor at least two species of <i>Sarcocystis</i>, that is, the zoonotic <i>Sarcocystis suihominis</i>, using humans as definitive hosts, and <i>Sarcocystis miescheriana</i>, for which wild and domestic canids serve as definitive hosts. In Portugal, hunting holds significant economic and social importance, and wild boars are among the most appreciated hunted species. As the consumption of wild boar meat can expose humans to several foodborne pathogens, the presence of trained hunters can make a difference in ensuring animal health surveillance and food safety. Herein, we report the detection of macroscopic cystic lesions associated with <i>S. miescheriana</i> in a wild boar hunted for human consumption, resulting in carcass condemnation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the presence of <i>S. miescheriana</i> in wild boar tissues has never been associated with macroscopic pathological alterations before. Although <i>S. miescheriana</i> cannot infect humans, carcasses affected by grossly visible pathological changes must be declared unfit for consumption. Therefore, our finding points out the potential economic damage associated with carcass rejection due to the presence of gross lesions associated with generalized sarcocystosis. Nonetheless, further studies are required to investigate these alterations that currently appear to be occasional findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehmet Aykur, Ozlem Barut Selver, Hande Dagci, Melis Palamar
{"title":"Vermamoeba vermiformis as the etiological agent in a patient with suspected non-Acanthamoeba keratitis","authors":"Mehmet Aykur, Ozlem Barut Selver, Hande Dagci, Melis Palamar","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i> (<i>V.</i> <i>vermiformis</i>) is one of the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) and is frequently found in environments such as natural freshwater areas, surface waters, soil, and biofilms. <i>V. </i><i>vermiformis</i> has been reported as a pathogen with pathogenic potential for humans and animals<i>.</i> The aim is to report a case of non-<i>Acanthamoeba</i> keratitis in which <i>V. vermiformis</i> was the etiological agent, identified by culture and molecular techniques. Our case was a 48-year-old male patient with a history of trauma to his eye 10 days ago. The patient complained of eye redness and purulent discharge. A slit-lamp examination of the eye revealed a central corneal ulcer with peripheral infiltration extending into the deep stroma. The corneal scraping sample taken from the patient was cultured on a non-nutritious agar plate (NNA). Amoebae were evaluated according to morphological evaluation criteria. It was investigated by PCR method and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Although no bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the routine microbiological evaluation of the corneal scraping sample that was cultured, amoeba growth was detected positively in the NNA culture. Meanwhile, <i>Acanthamoeba</i> was detected negative by real-time PCR. However, <i>V. vermiformis</i> was detected positive with the specific PCR assay. It was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis to be considered an etiological pathogenic agent. Thus, topical administration of chlorhexidine gluconate %0.02 (8 × 1) was initiated. Clinical regression was observed 72 h after chlorhexidine initiation, and complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 5 weeks. In conclusion, corneal infections due to free-living amoebae can occur, especially in poor hygiene. Although <i>Acanthamoeba</i> is the most common keratitis due to amoeba, <i>V. vermiformis</i> is also assumed to associate keratitis in humans. Clinicians should also be aware of other amoebic agents, such as <i>V. vermiformis</i>, in keratitis patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}