Free living amoebae (FLA) were isolated from 33 (66%) out of 50 ear
swabs (chronic ear infections) and from 21(42%) out of 50 nasal swabs
(chronic nasal infections). Naegleria and Acanthamoeba species represented
39.4% and 60.6% respectively of 33 positive ear swabs and 33.3%
and 66. 7% respectively of 21 positive nasal swabs. The percentage of
Acanthamoeba species isolated from 54 positive ear and nasal swabs
(63%) was higher than that of Naegleria species (37%). Naegleria infection
was more acquired through aquatic source (swimming), while
Acanthcunoeba infection was more acquired through air and dust. The incidence
of isolation of FM from both ear and nasal swabs was higher in
females (78.2%) than in males (46.7%) and was higher in old age group
(62.5%) than in middle and young age groups (50% and 58.3% respectively).
The isolated FM strains in the present study, either Naegleria or
Acanthamoeba were non pathogenic as proven by animal pathogenicity
test and played no rule in the pathogenesis and pathology of studied ear
and nasal chronic infections |
