Johns Hopkins HIV Guide

Acanthamoeba spp.

Lisa A. Spacek, M.D., Ph.D.; Khalil G. Ghanem, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

  • 1 of 4 genera of free-living amebas associated with disease in humans; >20 spp. described.
  • Life cycle w/ 2 stages: actively dividing trophozoite and dormant cysts (double-walled 10-15 mcm in diameter); cysts resistant to chlorine, low temperature, antibiotics.
  • Encystation occurs under environmental stress: food deprivation, desiccation, change in temperature, pH.
  • Ubiquitous in nature: isolated from air, soil, freshwater, salt water, chlorinated swimming pools, sewage, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals.
  • Transmission: inhalation most common route; direct inoculation of skin can occur.

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Acanthamoeba spp.
Last updated: March 10, 2011
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