![Magnified 250X, this photomicrograph revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba sp. parasitic microorganisms, which were found in a specimen of human H&E-stained adrenal gland tissue.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227005337im_/https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/images/acanthamoeba/home_page_image_acanthamoeba.jpg)
Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, free-living ameba, or amoeba* (single-celled living organism), that can cause rare, but severe infections of the eye, skin, and central nervous system. The ameba is found worldwide in the environment in water and soil. The ameba can be spread to the eyes through contact lens use, cuts, or skin wounds or by being inhaled into the lungs. Most people will be exposed to Acanthamoeba during their lifetime, but very few will become sick from this exposure. The three diseases caused by Acanthamoeba are:
Acanthamoeba keratitis – An infection of the eye that typically occurs in healthy persons and can result in permanent visual impairment or blindness.
Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) – A serious infection of the brain and spinal cord that typically occurs in persons with a compromised immune system.
Disseminated infection – A widespread infection that can affect the skin, sinuses, lungs, and other organs independently or in combination. It is also more common in persons with a compromised immune system.
Image: Magnified 250X, this photomicrograph revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba sp. parasitic microorganisms, which were found in a specimen of human H&E-stained adrenal gland tissue. Credit: DPDx
Explore Acanthamoeba
- General Information Most common questions answered...
- Epidemiology & Risk Factors Who gets it and how...
- Biology Stages of parasite development...
- Disease Signs and symptoms of the disease...
- Diagnosis Tests for infection...
- Treatment Medication and steps to take...
- Prevention & Control How to stay healthy or get better...
- Resources for Health Professionals What you need to know...
*About the Term "Ameba"
In U.S. English, the single-celled living organism described here is an ameba. The word amoeba, with an "o", is used as part of a scientific genus name (such as Amoeba or Acanthamoeba). In British English, both the generic organism term and genera names are spelled amoeba with an "o".
**Rare Disease
There is no universal definition of a "rare disease" but the U.S. Rare Disease Act of 2002 defined a rare disease as affecting less than 200,000 people in the U.S. and this definition has been adopted by the National Institutes of Health, Office of Rare Diseases.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO