Detection of amphizoic amoebae Acanthamoeba spp. from the ocular discharge of buffalo

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living, amphizoic amoebae widely distributed in soil, water and air, with the ability to cause opportunistic infections in both humans and animals. In livestock, ocular acanthamoebiasis can lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis and potential vision loss, resulting in economic losses due to decreased productivity and animal welfare concerns. This study reports the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. from ocular discharge samples of buffaloes showing signs of ocular discomfort, such as lacrimation. The water bathing practices were found to be the main cause of eye infections in the present study. Water bodies are heavily loaded with a variety of contaminants, including microbes, bacteria, fungi, pathogenic protozoa and organic substances. High levels of different nutrients in water bodies are responsible for enhancing bacterial growth, such as E. coli. This, in turn, favours the growth of amphizoic amoeba, occasionally present in water bodies. The presence of amphizoic amoebae in water bodies poses a risk for buffalo to contract amoebic infections.