Assessment of the Presence of Free-Living Amoebae in Soil Samples from the Northwest Region of Spain Using Culture and Molecular Assays
Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp., <i>Balamuthia mandrillaris</i>, <i>Naegleria fowleri</i>, <i>Sappinia</i> spp., <i>Vahlkampfia</i> spp., and <i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i> are naturally widespread in t...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1065 |
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| Summary: | Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp., <i>Balamuthia mandrillaris</i>, <i>Naegleria fowleri</i>, <i>Sappinia</i> spp., <i>Vahlkampfia</i> spp., and <i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i> are naturally widespread in the environment, causing rare but fatal and debilitating infections in humans. In the present study, a total of 87 soil samples were collected from four provinces in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Spain. These samples were collected in three different seasons during 2022–2023 (t1–t3) and were analysed by culture and molecular techniques (conventional PCR/sanger sequencing and qPCR). The obtained data revealed that the genus <i>Acanthamoeba</i> and the species <i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i> were the most prevalent FLA. Furthermore, other genera/species of FLA were identified in the tested soil sources, suggesting a rich microbial biodiversity in Castilla y León soils. In addition, this study provides an important basis for future research on the ecology of these organisms and their potential impact on public health and the environment. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |