Naegleria australiensis isolated from a wastewater treatment station in Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Despite the Naegleria genus being isolated from different natural environments such as water, soil, and air, not all Naegleria species are capable of causing infections in humans, and they are capable of completing their life cycle in environmental niches. However, the presence of this genus may suggest the existence of one of the highly pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) species: Naegleria fowleri or the brain-eating amoeba. This facultative parasitic protozoon represents a risk to public health, mainly related to domestic and agricultural waters. In this research, our main objective was to determine the existence of pathogenic protozoa in the Santa Cruz wastewater treatment plant, Santiago Island. Using 5 L of water we confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic Naegleria australiensis, being the first report on Naegleria species in Cape Verde. This fact demonstrates the low efficiency in the treatment of wastewater and, consequently, a potential threat to public health. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed for the prevention and control of possible infections in this Macaronesian country.

Automated summary

Despite being found in various natural environments, not all Naegleria species can infect humans and they can complete their life cycle in the environment. The presence of this genus suggests the presence of the highly pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, which poses a risk to public health. This study confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic Naegleria australiensis in the wastewater treatment plant in Santiago Island, Cape Verde, highlighting the low efficiency of wastewater treatment and the potential threat to public health. Further studies are needed to prevent and control possible infections in the country.