Comparison of Pouzolzia indica methanolic extract and Virkon against cysts of Acanthamoeba spp.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the morphological and structural changes of Acanthamoeba cysts after being treated with various concentrations of Pouzolzia indica methanolic extract fraction 3 (methanol eluted) and Virkon solution. Changes in the Acanthamoeba cysts were detected by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show Acanthamoeba cysts were killed by Pouzolzia indica methanolic extract fraction 3 at a concentration of 1:8 and by Virkon solution at a concentration of 0.25%, with a minimal cysticidal concentration (MCC) by 24 hours. Both agents caused similar structural damage to Acanthamoeba cysts in the same sequence. Step by step structural alterations occurred within the cyst. First, the cyst shrank, collapsed and had clumping of cytoplasmic stuctures inside the cyst walls. Second, the cysts began to bulge, swell, have a decrease in wrinkles in the cyst walls and spill the cytoplasmic contents into the environment. Finally, the cyst walls broke into small pieces. This study may be beneficial to compare with future studies of pharmaceutical agents against Acanthamoeba keratitis.

• Authors: Kosol Roongruangchai, Tanawan Kummalue, Tichaporn Sookkua, Jantima Roongruangchai
• Journal: The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health (Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health) Vol. 41 Issue 4 Pg. 776-84 (Jul 2010) ISSN: 0125-1562 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 21073052 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiprotozoal Agents
• Peroxides
• Plant Extracts
• Sulfuric Acids
• monoperoxysulfate

Topics

• Acanthamoeba (drug effects)
• Antiprotozoal Agents (pharmacology)
• Cells, Cultured
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Peroxides (pharmacology)
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology)
• Sulfuric Acids (pharmacology)
• Urticaceae