Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea

Subin Lee, Badriah Alkathiri, Ji Seung Jung, Nanyoung Kang, Jiyi Hwang, Sang Eun Park, Yeonchul Hong, Kyung Mee Park, Seung Hun Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acanthamoeba infection is associated with keratitis in humans; however, its association with keratitis in dogs remains unclear. To investigate this possibility, we collected 171 conjunctival swab samples from dogs with eye-related diseases (65 with keratitis and 106 without keratitis) at Chungbuk National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Korea, from August 2021 to September 2022. Polymerase chain reaction identified 9 samples (5.3%) as Acanthamoeba positive; of these, 3 were from dogs with keratitis (4.6%) and 6 were from dogs without keratitis (5.7%). Our results indicated no significant association between Acanthamoeba infection and keratitis, season, sex, or age. All Acanthamoeba organisms found in this study had the genotype T4, according to 18S ribosomal RNA analysis. Acanthamoeba infection in dogs might have only a limited association with keratitis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)139-144
Number of pages6
JournalParasites, Hosts and Diseases
Volume62
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2024

Keywords

  • Acanthamoeba
  • Acanthamoeba keratitis
  • clinical case
  • dog
  • genotype T4

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this