Acanthamoeba Diagnosis
Acanthamoeba is a type of amoeba found throughout the environment. While it normally doesn't cause any problems for humans, on rare occasions it may cause infection. The most common type of Acanthamoeba infection is Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection. Other infections include Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis and full body infection.
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Acanthamoeba Keratitis
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Acanthamoeba keratitis is an eye infection that may occur with contact lens wearers. It is sometimes associated with improper lens care, but may strike those who practice proper care as well. The least serious infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis can be treated with prescription medications. If you experience eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, a sensation of something in the eye or excessive tearing, see your doctor.
Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis
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Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) is an extremely serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. Occurring mostly in individuals with compromised immune systems, the disease is often fatal.
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Disseminated Infection
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A disseminated infection is one in which a pathogen, in this case Acanthamoeba, enters the body through a cut or wound or through the nostrils and spreads throughout the blood stream. This infection is an extremely serious, system-wide problem that is also often fatal.
Test for Acanthamoeba
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To determine what kind of pathogen is causing infection, health care providers will take a sample of the infected tissue or possible sources, such as contact lenses, and provide a medium for the pathogen to grow on. If Acanthamoeba is cultured, the source of the infection is known.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for Acanthamoeba keratitis is generally good. Although it can be difficult to treat, it has never been known to spread to other parts of the body and will usually resolve after a course of topical antibiotic or antifungal treatment. GAE and a disseminated infection, on the other hand, are often fatal. Treatment with systemic antifungal medications may be effective in some cases.
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