TYPES
There are three primary types of uncommon clinical conditions that Acanthamoeba can bring about. These include:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection typically happens in physically fit people, and can bring about lasting visual disability or blindness.
- Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE). It is a severe infection in the spinal cord and brain. This infection happens to those with compromised immune systems.
- Disseminated infection. It is a wide range of infection that infects the lungs, skin, sinuses, and other organs. The same with GAE, it affects persons with compromised immune systems.
SYMPTOMS
Keratitis
The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis are different from one person to another. Moreover, patients complain about the following symptoms:
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Stirring sensation in the eye
Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis
The circulation of the infection appears typically as an aggravation of the lungs or sinuses and skin diseases, however, it may also reach the brain. Furthermore, the infection caused by the genus to the skin may appear as skin ulcers, abscesses, and reddish nodules.
Other symptoms may also include:
- Other neurologic problems
- Weakened muscles or paralyzed side of the body
- Loss of coordination
- Fever
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Different mental status
Additionally, due to the similarities of the other eye infections and conditions affected by Acanthamoeba, early detection is essential for effective treatment.