ABSTRACT

Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most prevalent protozoa found in the environment. The species of this genus are the causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), a fatal disease of the central nervous system (CNS), and amebic keratitis (AK), a painful sight-threatening disease of the eye. In this study we have used two species of Acanthamoeba, Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. hatchetti, both were obtained from Vienna, Austria. They were cultivated on non-nutritious agar seeded with Escherichia coli and PPYG (protease peptoneyeast extract-glucose) medium. Our aim was to concentrate on three points in relation to the trophozoites and cysts stages of these species as follows: (i) to observe their morphology, (ii). to confirm our previous observation of a canal between two trophozoites. The bridge-like connection between these trophozoites greatly resembled the one that can be observed in conjugation during an exchange of genetic material. Two trophozoites with a bridge-like extension between them keep their position for at least 200 minutes. (iii). to detect the reactions of trophozoites to various stains. According to our findings in regard to these three points: (i). trophozoites with more than one nucleus are often seen in axenic cultures. (ii). This resembles a type of conjugation with a transfer of genetic material between two trophozoites. Certainly, this needs further investigation using more sophisticated methods. (iii). trophozoites equally stained well with Heidenhain’s iron haematoxylin, Giemsa, PAS, Masson Trichrome, and Toludin-O stains. However, our results with reticulin, PAP, Van Gison, Musicarmine and Orsein stains were not satisfactory.

Keywords: Acanthamoeba, morphological views, conjugation