Zooming in on the intracellular microbiome composition of bacterivorous isolates.

, a free-living amoeba in water and soil, is an emerging pathogen causing severe eye infection known as keratitis. In its natural environment, performs a dual function as an environmental heterotrophic predator and host for a range of microorganisms that resist digestion. Our objective was to characterize the intracellular microorganisms of phylogenetically distinct spp.

Prevalence and seasonal variation of Acanthamoeba in domestic tap water in greater Sydney, Australia.

Background: This study examined the prevalence of free-living Acanthamoeba in domestic tap water in the greater Sydney region, Australia, and determined any seasonal variation in prevalence.

Methods: Fifty-four participants were included in this study following approval from an institutional human research ethics committee. Each participant self-collected two samples (one in summer and another in winter) from the surface of the drain of the bathroom sink using an instructional kit.