SWM : Smart Water Management

Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri are free-living amoebas (FLA) widely distributed in the environment and these are associated with severe disease in humans. In our previous study, we set up duplex real-time PCR method to detect FLA in water. In this study, we investigated two kinds of FLA, Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri, in raw water on a trial basis. A total of 6 samples of raw water samples were collected from three major streams in Daejeon. For each stream, 2 samples were collected. Raw water samples were filtered and concentrated by centrifugation, and the final pellet was inoculated on non-nutrient agar (NNA) plates and incubated for 5 to 7 days at 30°C. Then, total genomic DNA were extracted and analyzed by duplex real-time PCR. As a result, in Yoodeung stream, Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in both of two water samples, and in Gap stream and Daejeon stream, Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in one sample each. Any Naegleria fowleri was not detected in all six samples in this time. To identify the distribution of FLA in raw water in detail, and to secure the public water safety, further survey should be conducted.