Raheleh Eftekhari Kenzerki - MSc in Parasitology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

Introduction and Objectives: FLA (free-living amoebae) are considered pathogenic for human. These ubiquitous organisms have been isolated from different environment such as water, soil and air. An investigation was conducted to determine the presence of FLA, especially Acanthamoeba, Naegleria and Vermamoeba in swimming pools of Kerman, Iran Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight water samples were collected from 2 sites 1 meter from the wall, and middle of swimming pools of Kerman in two men and women during 2018 summer. PH, chlorine and water temperature were measured. The samples were filtered using nitrocellulose syringe (0.45 μm); subsequently, they were cultured on 1.2% non-nutrient agar, covered by killed Escherichia coli and incubated at 25 and 37ºC. Plates were then monitored for the presence of amoebae daily and positive plates were cloned. Result: Out of the 68 water samples, 34 (50%) samples were positive for free-living amoebae in the culture method. including 52.9% Acanthamoeba, 20.6% Vermamoeba, 14.7% Naegleria and 11.8% mixed Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba. The highest pollution was at sites 1 meter from the wall of the pools (58.8%). Conclusion: This study indicated the high prevalence of free-living amoebae, especially the pathogenic type, in the water pools of Kerman that could be a source of infection risk for humans. These water sources could be a potential risk factor for the public health. Therefore, the health professionals should prevent contamination.

Acanthamoeba, Swimming Pool, Free living amoebae