Isolation of Vahlkampfiids (Willaertia magna) and Thecamoeba from Soil Samples in Iran

Abstract

Background: Vahlkampfiids contains wide variety of genuses with some known as human pathogens such as Naegleria, Vahlkampfia and non pathogens such as Willaertia. Since there was no evidence of presence of Vahlkampfiids in different sources in Iran, we have analyzed soil samples to clarify the presence of these amebas.
Methods: Seven soil samples collected in Tehran were analyzed to clarify the presence of Vahlkampfiids in soil sources, using microscopic examination of non nutrient agar cultures and specific Vahlkampfiids primer pair.
Results: Vahlkampfiids were detected in 2 out of 7 soil samples by direct examination of cultures. Sequence analysis confirmed that Willaertia magna (W. magna) was present in 2 samples. Additionally, Thecamoeba were detected in all of soil samples.
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of existing W. magna and Thecamoeba in Iran. Over all, more research should be implicated in Iran for identification of Vahlkampfiids within different environmental sources as well as their pathogenic capability relevant for human beings.