General Science
Acanthamoeba
Kerala has reported a rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, a rare but fatal brain infection caused by Acanthamoeba.
It is a free-living ameba, a kind of one-celled organism that lives in water, soil, and dust.
It can also be found in swimming pools, hot tubs, drinking water systems, humidifiers, and in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Causes serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis (eye) and Granulomatous Amoebic
Encephalitis (GAE) (brain).
It can infect parts of the body through cuts or skin wounds or from being inhaled into the lungs or nostrils. It can get into the eyes through contact lens use.
Types of Infections Caused by Acanthamoeba
Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), which affects the brain and is almost always fatal
Cutaneous acanthamoebiasis, a skin infection
Acanthamoeba rhinosinusitis, an infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses
Acanthamoeba keratitis: It is an eye infection that typically occurs in healthy people and can cause permanent vision loss.
