Molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba isolated from Kayseri well water

Aim: Potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae have a cosmopolitan distribution in soil, dust, air, and water. Generally, environmental free-living amoebae do not threaten human health. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba in well waters drawn from different locations in Kayseri, Turkey, which are mainly used for drinking or irrigation by the residents in the region. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine samples, including 26 well water sediment samples and 3 tap water samples as the control, were collected from 3 different locations. Melting snow feeds 5, rain water 18, and tap water 3 of these wells. Results: Five of 26 well water samples were 19.23% positive for Acanthamoeba by both PCR and agar culture. All of these Acanthamoeba were characterized as the T4 genotype group. Conclusion: This is the first report from Turkey on the isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba. Further studies with a wide series are warranted, focusing on in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo pathogenicity of isolates.