Acanthamoeba spp.

• Acanthamoeba spp. 


  =Causes:

  • GRANULOMATOUS AMEBIC ENCEPHALITIS (GAE) and ACANTHAMOEBA KERATITIS

  = MOT

  • ASPIRATION or NASAL INHALATION of the organism or through ulcers in the mucosa or skin.

  = Acanthamoeba spp. often migrate through HEMATOGENOUS SPREAD
• Acanthamoeba spp.


  = Laboratory Diagnosis:

  • Microcopic examination of Stained Smears of Biopsy Specimen

  = Treatment for GAE

  • Sulfamethazine

  = Treatment for Keratitis

  • Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, and PROPAMIDINE.

  + PROPAMIDINE is the most effective and successful.
• Cyst stage of Acanthamoeba sp.

  = Size: 8-15 um

  = DORMANT STAGE

  = Cyst wall: with ECTOCYST and ENDOCYST

  = Encystment: Process by which organisms adapt the dormant and highly resistant stage of cyst .
• Tropozoite Stage of Acanthamoeba sp.

  = Size: 12-45 um

  = Motility: SLUGGISH with SPINLIKE PSEUDOPOD (Acanthapodia)

  • Acanth ( SPIKES )
  • INFECTIVE FORM
• Clinical Manifestation of Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis

  = Headaches, Seizures, Stiff neck, Nausea, and Vomiting
• Clinical Manifestation of Acanthamoeba keratitis

  = Severe ocular pain and vision problems

  = May result to loss of vision