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Acanthamoeba Infection
(A-kanth-a-ME-buh)

 

What is an Acanthamoeba infection?

Acanthamoeba are microscopic ameba commonly found in the environment. Several species of Acanthamoebahave been found to infect humans, A. culbertsoni, A. polyphaga, A. castellanii,
A. healyi, (A. astronyxis), A. hatchetti, A. rhysodes, and possibly others.

Where are Acanthamoeba found?Acanthamoeba spp. (spp. means several species) are found worldwide. Most commonly, Acanthamoeba are found in the soil and dust, in fresh water sources such as lakes, rivers, and hot
springs and in hot tubs.Acanthamoeba may also be found in brackish water and in sea water.  Amebas can also be found in Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioner units (HVAC), humidifiers,
dialysis units, and contact lensparaphernalia. 

Acanthamoeba have been found in the nose and throat of healthy people as well as those with compromised 
immune systems.

How does infection with Acanthamoeba occur?

Acanthamoebacan enter the skin through a cut, wound, or through the nostrils. Once inside the body, amebas can travel to the lungs and through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, especially the centralnervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Through improper storage, handling, and disinfection of contact lenses, Acanthamoeba can enter the eye and cause a serious infection.

What are the signs andsymptoms of Acanthamoeba infection?

There are several ways Acanthamoeba spp. can affect the body.

Each year, many people are infected with Acanthamoeba. Eye infections result from contact lenscases becoming contaminated after improper cleaning and handling. Risk of Acanthamoeba
infection is higher for people who make their own contact lens cleaning solution. Acanthamoeba enter the eye viacontact lenses or through a corneal cut or sore. Infection or a corneal ulcer results. 

In addition, Acanthamoeba spp. can cause skin lesions and/or a systemic (whole body) infection. Acanthamoeba...