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Recent studies have revealed that Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is more widespread in Kerala’s waterbodies than previously believed. This raises significant public health concerns, especially due to its ability to cause severe and often fatal infections.

About Acanthamoeba

• Nature: A single-celled, free-living amoeba found in water, soil, and dust.
• Habitats: Frequently detected in swimming pools, hot tubs, household wells, drinking water systems, humidifiers, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.
• Mode of Transmission: Enters the human body through skin wounds, inhalation via lungs/nasal cavity, or eye exposure (notably among contact lens users).

Types of Infections

• Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE): Affects the brain; almost always fatal.
• Cutaneous Acanthamoebiasis: Skin infection through wounds.
• Acanthamoeba Rhinosinusitis: Infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Serious eye infection, often in healthy individuals and contact lens users; may lead to permanent vision loss.

Kerala Case Study

• In 2013, research from the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (Kerala) identified that several cases of non-healing corneal ulcers were due to Acanthamoeba keratitis, traced back to household wells as the infection source.
• Current findings indicate that Acanthamoeba is more widespread in Kerala’s natural and man-made waterbodies than earlier thought, heightening risks of waterborne and eye-related infections.

Significance

• The rise of Acanthamoeba-related keratitis underlines the need for safe water practices, improved eye hygiene among contact lens users, and awareness of rare pathogens.
• Its resilience across diverse environments makes it a public health challenge, especially in regions dependent on household wells and untreated water sources.