<i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp. genotypes demonstrate genotype-specific motility and encystment differences in both fed and starved environments.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous protozoan pathogen that can cause a severe ocular infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis. Despite its high prevalence and potential contamination of contact lenses, the natural behavior of this parasite remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated Acanthamoeba trophozoite movement, rate of encystment, trophozoite size, and phylogenetic relationships between eight prevalent Acanthamoeba genotypes.

Methods

Acanthamoeba was seeded onto a plate with and without E. coli. After initial size measurements were recorded, images were taken using a microscope to create time-lapse videos over a 72-hour period. Amoeba trophozoite tracks were quantified for distance, displacement, and speed. Separately

SUBMITTER: Campolo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12626805 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature