Cytotoxic effect of acriflavine against clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp

Abstract

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a potentially devastating and sight-threatening infection of the cornea caused by the ubiquitous free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba species. Its eradication is difficult because the amoebas encyst, making it highly resistant to anti-amoebic drugs. Acriflavine neutral (ACF) has been used for treatment of microbial infections for humans and fishes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the time-dependent cytotoxicities of ACF against Acanthamoeba spp. Trophozoites and cysts of three different strains (strain PAT06 Acanthamoeba castellanii, strain 2HH Acanthamoeba hatchetti, and strain 11DS A. hatchetti) of Acanthamoeba spp. were tested. All strains had been isolated from patients suffering from a severe AK. The effects of the ACF with the concentrations ranging from 15 to 500 mg mL(-1) on the cytotoxicity of Acanthamoeba strains were examined. ACF showed a time- and dose-dependent amebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Pat06 (A. castellanii) was the most resistant, while strain 11DS (A. hatchetti) was the most sensitive. As a result, ACF could be concluded as a new agent for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. On the other hand, it still needs to be further evaluated by in vivo test systems to confirm the efficiency of its biological effect.

Small molecule inhibitors of Ago2 decrease Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replication

“…While it is possible that ACF may induce mutations within the viral genome, it has been shown that mutations occurred at concentrations far above the 1.25-5 lM used in the current studies (Polat and Karakus, 2013). Thus, alterations in DNA or RNA are unlikely to be the source of the decrease in VEEV replication observed here.…”

Acriflavine, an Acridine Derivative for Biomedical Application: Current State of the Art

“…ACF also works against Acanthamoeba , which is a protozoan that causes an infection of the cornea of the eye and even granulomatous encephalitis. 123 Acanthamoeba causes infection, and it remains in the form of a trophozoite and undergoes mitosis. It shows high resistance to drugs, with the ability to transform into a dormant form of cysts.…”

“…It shows high resistance to drugs, with the ability to transform into a dormant form of cysts. 124 Studies were also devoted to the action of ACF against three strains of Acanthamoeba of different pathogenicity and showed that ACF works even on resistant protozoan cysts and destroys trophozoite within 24 h. 123 …”

“…ACF also works against Acanthamoeba , which is a protozoan that causes an infection of the cornea of the eye and even granulomatous encephalitis …”

“…It shows high resistance to drugs, with the ability to transform into a dormant form of cysts. 124 Studies were also devoted to the action of ACF against three strains of Acanthamoeba of different pathogenicity and showed that ACF works even on resistant protozoan cysts and destroys trophozoite within 24 h. 123 ACF intercalates DNA, which may contribute to the fight against Trypanosoma cruzi. It leads to changes in the kDNA structure of this protozoan, which results in the formation of dyskinetoplastic (Dk) strains and, consequently, inhibition of infection.…”