Morphology observations of Acanthamcoba spp. Isolates from patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis in different environments

Objective To observe the morphological characteristics Acanthamoeba, and provide theoretical basis for diagnosis of Acanthamoeba infection. Methods specimens from Acanthamoeba keratitis patients was cultured in different conditions, and observed the morphology and viability of Acanthamoeba in different culture p H(2, 4, 6, 8, 10), temperature(20,25, 30, 35℃), and with and without addition of E. coli bacteria. Results Acanthamoeba trophozoites existed mainly in the acidic environment and form cysts in the alkaline environment. And Acanthamoeba were morphologically diverse under different conditions. Acanthamoeba grew the best under the culture environment of p H6, 25~30℃ with E. coli bacteria, and most of the Acanthamoeba is active trophozoites and multiply through division. Conclusion The morphology observations of transformation process between Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, which contributes to clinical diagnosis and pathogenic mechanisms of Acanthamoeba.