Acanthamoeba Infection

	Acanthamoeba Infection ''Acanthamoeba'' infection is a cutaneous condition resulting from ''Acanthamoeba'' that may result in various skin lesions. ''Acanthamoeba'' strains can also infect human eyes causing Acanthamoeba keratitis, ''Acanthamoeba'' keratitis. See also * Balamuthia infection, ''Balamuthia'' infection References Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin {{Cutaneous-infection-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
picture info	Acanthamoeba ''Acanthamoeba'' is a genus of amoeboid, amoebae that are commonly recovered from soil, fresh water, and other habitat (ecology), habitats. ''Acanthamoeba'' has two evolutive forms, the metabolically active trophozoite and a dormant, stress-resistant cyst. Trophozoites are small, usually 15 to 25 μm in length and amoeboid in shape. In nature, ''Acanthamoeba'' species are free-living bacterivores, but in certain situations, they can cause infections (acanthamebiasis) in humans and other animals. Distribution ''Acanthamoeba'' spp. are among the most prevalent protozoa found in the environment. They are distributed worldwide, and have been isolated from soil, air, sewage, seawater, chlorinated swimming pools, domestic tap water, bottled water, dental treatment units, hospitals, air-conditioning units, and contact lens cases. Additionally, they have been isolated from human skin, nasal cavities, throats, and intestines, as well as plants and other mammals. Role in disease Diseas ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
	Skin Lesion A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this system is as a barrier against the external environment. Conditions of the human integumentary system constitute a broad spectrum of diseases, also known as dermatoses, as well as many nonpathologic states (like, in certain circumstances, melanonychia and racquet nails). While only a small number of skin diseases account for most visits to the physician, thousands of skin conditions have been described. Classification of these conditions often presents many nosological challenges, since underlying causes and pathogenetics are often not known. Therefore, most current textbooks present a classification based on location (for example, conditions of the mucous membrane), morphology ( chronic blistering conditions), cause (skin conditions resul ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
	Acanthamoeba Keratitis ''Acanthamoeba'' keratitis (AK) is a rare disease in which amoebae of the genus ''Acanthamoeba'' invade the clear portion of the front (cornea) of the eye. It affects roughly 100 people in the United States each year. ''Acanthamoeba'' are protozoa found nearly ubiquitously in soil and water and can cause infections of the skin, eyes, and central nervous system. Infection of the cornea by ''Acanthamoeba'' is difficult to treat with conventional medications, and AK may cause permanent visual impairment or blindness, due to damage to the cornea or through damage to other structures important to vision. Recently, AK has been recognized as an orphan disease and a funded project, orphan diseases ''Acanthamoeba'' keratitis (ODAK), has tested the effects of a diverse range drugs and biocides on AK. Pathogenesis In the United States, ''Acanthamoeba'' keratitis is nearly always associated with soft contact lens use. ''Acanthamoeba'' spp. is most commonly introduced to the eye by contact l ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
	Balamuthia Infection ''Balamuthia'' infection is a cutaneous condition resulting from ''Balamuthia'' that may result in various skin lesions. ''Balamuthia mandrillarisis'' a free-living amoeba (a single-celled living organism) found in the environment. It is one of the causes of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. ''Balamuthia'' is thought to enter the body when soil containing it comes in contact with skin wounds and cuts, or when dust containing it is breathed in or gets in the mouth. The ''Balamuthia'' amoebae can then travel to the brain through the bloodstream and cause GAE. GAE is a very rare disease that is usually fatal. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health agency of the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgi ... (CDC) fi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]