Rapid Cultivation of Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from Environmental Samples Using Nanocomposite and Leech Saliva on Non-Nutrient Agar.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Acanthamoeba spp. are microscopic single-celled protozoa commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, water sources, and dust. These parasites are associated with serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Recent epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis cases. Current treatment methods are generally effective only in the early stages and show limited success when applied late, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective therapeutic and cultivation approaches. The laboratory cultivation of Acanthamoeba spp. is traditionally performed using axenic or monoxenic cultures. However, these methods have notable drawbacks, including the loss of virulence, reduced encystmen

SUBMITTER: Bilden A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12069485 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature