Acanthamoeba are
microscopic amoeba commonly found in the
environment worldwide. Most commonly, Acanthamoeba are found in the
soil and
dust, in
fresh water sources such as
lakes,
rivers,
hot springs,
hot tubs,
brackish water, and in
sea water. Amoeba can also be found in
Heating,
Venting, and
Air Conditioner units (
HVAC),
humidifiers, and
dialysis units.
Acanthamoeba can enter the skin through a cut, wound, or through the
nostrils. Once inside the body, amoeba can travel to the
lungs and through the
bloodstream to other parts of the body, especially the
brain and
spinal cord.
Through improper storage, handling, and
disinfection of
contact lenses, Acanthamoeba can enter the
eye and cause a serious
infection.
Acanthamoeba can cause skin
lesions and/or a
systemic infection. Acanthamoeba cause a serious, most often deadly infection called
granulomatous amebic encephalitis (
GAE). Once infected, a person may suffer with
headaches,
stiff neck,
nausea and
vomiting,
tiredness,
confusion,
lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of
balance and
bodily control,
seizures, and
hallucinations. Signs and symptoms progresses over several weeks; death generally occurs.
Eye and skin infections are generally
treatable. However, infections of the brain with Acanthamoeba are almost always fatal.
More Information: www.cdc.gov