Genotyping of Acanthamoeba T15: the environmental strain in Turkey.

Background: Environmental sources are potential sources for the transmission of Acanthamoeba in humans and other mammals.

Methods: A total of 50 water samples from hot springs and swimming pools, and 50 soil samples were taken from Adana, Afyon, Kutahya, Mersin and Nigde provinces in Turkey. Samples were analysed using 18S rRNA-DNA sequencing.

Results: Acanthamoeba griffini (T3), Acanthamoeba castellanii (T4) and Acanthamoeba jacobsi (T15) were found in water samples. Acanthamoeba griffini (T3) and Acanthamoeba castellanii (T4) were detected in soil samples.

Conclusions: In Turkey, this was the first time that Acanthamoeba jacobsi (T15) was detected in water samples.