Occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. in a major river in the Philippines: impact on water quality and health

Rivers are important freshwater sources. They provide water for domestic and recreational use and serve as ecological sites for various microorganisms. Free-living amoebae are considered naturally occurring organisms in freshwater. However, their prevalence can suggest the water quality in a given source. Forty-five (45) surface water samples from nine different sites were collected from the Marikina River. Samples were processed and cultured in non-nutrient agar (NNA) lawned with Escherichia coli and were observed for 14 days using a light microscope. Thirty-six (36: 80%) samples yielded a positive amoebic growth. Further molecular testing confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. using specific primer sets JDP1 and JDP2. The current results of this study have shown a remarkable jump in the detection rate for free-living amoebae (FLAs). The continued deterioration of the Marikina River due to several human and non-human factors may have been the reason for this phenomenon. River clean-up, resettlement programmes, and strict implementation of laws on waste disposal should be considered to rehabilitate the Marikina River.