Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Molecular and Morphological Identification of Acanthamoeba in Hospital Dust from Ahvaz, Iran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Forough Kord-zanganeh
Mahmoud Rahdar
Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani
Mehdi Tavalla
Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22118/jjhs.2026.575216.1037
Abstract
Introduction: Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba found in various environments, is an opportunistic pathogen, especially affecting immunocompromised patients with conditions like granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Despite the global significance of this pathogen, data on its prevalence in hospital dust in Iran is limited.
Methods: This study assessed Acanthamoeba in hospital dust from three major hospitals affiliated with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 96 dust samples were collected from various wards. Morphological analysis using non-nutrient agar culture identified cyst-like forms, followed by PCR to confirm and quantify Acanthamoeba presence.
Results: Six samples showed Acanthamoeba-like cysts, with PCR confirming DNA in 16 samples (16.6%), indicating notable prevalence in hospital dust. Positive samples were mainly from corridors (68.75%), general care rooms (25%), and ICUs (6.25%), with no detection in surgical wards. A significant association was observed between location and Acanthamoeba presence (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of monitoring Acanthamoeba in hospitals, given its capacity to cause severe infections in vulnerable patients. Enhanced sanitation and environmental monitoring may help minimize exposure and reduce infection risk.
Keywords
Hospital-acquired infections
Environmental surveillance
Opportunistic pathogens
Molecular detection
Acanthamoeba
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Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 2
Issue in Progress
2026