Domestic and Peri-Domestic Study Reveals the Presence of Probably Acanthamoeba castellanii

Acanthamoeba is free living amoeba consisting of many species that are naturally pathogenic and have been isolated from different environmental sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and relative abundance of Acanthamoeba species in soil and water samples within the University of Jos environment and to create public health awareness on the dangers of this parasitic protozoan. The study was conducted in the eleven (11) Faculties of the University of Jos. Soil and water samples were collected from each of the faculties, cultured and morphologically identified for positive samples. In addition, quantitative data on occurrence were examined to help better understand the potential risk to the university community. The prevalence of Acanthamoeba based on the chi-square analysis indicates that there is a significant difference between the number of Acanthamoeba species in the soil and water samples collected (P Acanthamoeba based on the Man-Whitney test indicates that there was no significant difference in the distribution of Acanthamoeba species in the water and soil samples between different faculties (P > 0.05). Morphological identification indicates the presence of probably Acanthamoeba castellani. The demonstration of the presence of Acanthamoeba species in soil and water sources calls for awareness among the clinical community, as cases of keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis might have never been recorded due to lack of expertise or unawareness amongst the clinical community. An improved treatment of water supply and strict adherence to water act needs to be strictly encouraged.