The role of naturally acquired intracellular < i > Pseudomonas aeruginosa < /i > in the development of < i > Acanthamoeba < /i > keratitis in an animal model

This study assessed the presence of intracellular bacteria inAcanthamoeba species recovered from domestic tap water and corneas of two different AK patients and examined the impact of naturally occurring intracellular bacteria withinAcanthamoeba on the severity of corneal infections in rats. Methodology/Principal findingsHousehold water and corneal swabs were collected from AK patients.Acanthamoeba strains and genotypes were confirmed by sequencing.Acanthamoeba isolates were assessed for the presence of intracellular bacteria using sequencing, fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH), and electron microscopy. The viability of the bacteria inAcanthamoeba was assessed by labelling with alkyne –functionalized D–alanine (alkDala). Primary human macrophages were used to compare the intracellular survival and replication of the endosymbioticPseudomonas aeruginosa and a wild type strain. Eyes of rats were challenged intrastromally withAcanthamoeba containing or devoid ofP.aeruginosa and evaluated for the clinical response. Domestic water and corneal swabs were positive forAcanthamoeba. Both strains belonged to genotype T4F. One of theAcanthamoeba isolates harbouredP.aeruginosa which was seen throughout theAcanthamoeba’s cytoplasm. It was metabolically active and could be seen undergoing binary fission. This motile strain was able to replicate in macrophage to a greater degree than strain PAO1 (p
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research