Microscopic isolation and characterization of free living amoebae (FLA) from surface water sources.in Birjand, the capital city of the South Khorasan

Background and Aim: Free living amoebae (FLA) are amphizoic protozoa that are widely found in various environmental sources. They are known to cause serious infections in human and animal nervous systems. . The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp in surface water sources in Birjand city employing microscopic culture analysis based on morphology features of the amoebae. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 samples of surface water sources in Birjand city. including . parks pools, public squares, waterfronts, and water stations were collected and .transferred to the laboratory and were passed through nitrocellulose filter paper. The remained elements in the filters were cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA) with 100μl Escherichia coli suspension. After a few weeks of using morphological features,the amoeba grown were identified. Results: Out of the total of 50 samples cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA), 19 (38%) samples.were morphologically polluted with Acanthamoeba spp,. In 2 samples (4%) a colony of Vahlkampfiidae were observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that a significant percentage of surface water sources in Birjand city was contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. It is necessary for physicians, therefore, to take into account the diseases caused by these infectious agents. Besides, local regional health professionals should take into consideration the potential role of surface stagnant water sources in transferring these infectious agents. Placing warning signs in areas contaminated with these infectious agents seems a useful measure.