Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba previously linked to isolated keratitis cases, is now emerging as a broader public health concern in Kerala, with evidence showing widespread presence in ponds, wells, and storage tanks.

• E. coli Correlation: Laboratory studies showed Acanthamoeba proliferates in water with high E.coli content.

About Acanthamoeba

• Definition & Habitat: Acanthamoeba is a free-living, single-celled organism found in soil, dust, freshwater, saltwater, swimming pools, hot tubs, drinking water systems, humidifiers, and HVAC systems.
• Life Cycle: During their life cycles, Acanthamoeba can take two forms—an active, mobile trophozoite form and a dormant cyst form, which allows it to survive extreme conditions, chemicals, and UV exposure.
• Mode of Infection: Can enter the human body through cuts, wounds, inhalation, or contact with the eyes (especially via contact lenses).
• Concern: While generally free-living, it can behave as a parasite in humans, making it a public health concern in both immunocompromised and healthy populations.

Types of Acanthamoeba Infections

• Non-Keratitis Acanthamoeba Infections: Rare but serious, often affecting people with weakened immune systems. They include:
  • Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE): Brain infection, almost always fatal
  • Cutaneous Acanthamoebiasis: Skin infection
  • Acanthamoeba Rhinosinusitis: Infection of nasal cavity and sinuses
  • Disseminated Infection: Spread of infection to multiple body parts; can result from GAE, skin, or sinus infections
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: An eye infection that can occur in healthy individuals, often associated with contact lens use, and can lead to permanent vision loss.

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