Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

Free-living amoebas, Acanthamoeba spp., River, Culture Isolation, Vacuum Filtration, Non-Nutrient Agar, Polymerase Chain Reaction III

Abstract

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae widely distributed in natural environments such as soil and water. Although typically non-pathogenic, they are capable of causing severe infections, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. This study aimed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in Tala River, located in Cavite Province using both culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Water samples were collected from multiple points along the river and were subjected to filtration and cultivation on non-nutrient agar overlaid with E. coli suspension. Cultured plates were monitored microscopically for characteristic trophozoites and cysts. DNA was extracted from positive cultures and amplified using PCR targeting the gene specific to Acanthamoeba spp. Phenotypically, the microscopic evaluation resulted in 19 out of 30 cultured water samples positive for amoebic growth and were observed to exhibit the morphology of Acanthamoeba spp. During molecular analysis, all isolates subjected to PCR yielded negative findings. Technical concerns and difficulty may have interfered with PCR results leading to failure in conforming microscopic and molecular results. This study highlights the importance of routine environmental monitoring and public health awareness regarding amoebic microorganisms in natural water sources. Further research is recommended to broaden species identification, virulence potential, and possible mitigation strategies.

First Advisor

Maria Kristina E. Ogot, RMT

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