What is an Amoeba?
Amoeba or amoeba is a unicellular protozoa (protozoa) that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Not much larger than bacteria Amoeba reproduce asexually by dividing from one to two. Some types of amoeba can cause disease in humans. It is an amoeba that lives freely in nature in water, soil, and mud. There are 2 species: Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba. (Acanthamoeba)
Amoeba species, Negeria fowleri (Naegleria fowleri)
It is an amoeba that was first found in 1965, but was reported to be found in Thailand for the first time in 1983 and can also be found in tropical or temperate regions of the world, including North America, South America, Australia, Europe, Asia and South Africa In Thailand, surveys were conducted from water bodies in several provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket. and from water sources in the industrial area of Pathum Thani Province and Samut Prakan
Amoeba, Negeria Fowlery species, grows well at temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius, found in general water sources. Except for brackish water or the sea can be transmitted to humans by choking on water or inhaling infectious dust and passing through the brain and dividing further causing inflammation and damage to the brain and meninges 2-3 days before the onset of symptoms, in some cases up to 14 days. There will be stuffy nose, sore throat, bad smell. Later, there will be severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, stiff back, convulsions. On the 4th or 5th day, the patient begins to lose consciousness. and died within 1-2 days later
However, if promptly and accurately diagnosed and treated, the patient’s life may be saved by intravenous administration of amphotericin B and miconazole. and enter the brain It is best to avoid swimming or playing in stagnant water. or water from industrial plants Be careful of choking. In the pool, the water should be filtered clean. and check regularly Let there be no cracks to prevent amoeba infection in the brain
Amoeba Acanthamoeba species (Acanthamoeba)
Amoeba, Acanthameba species, first found in 1958, can be found almost all over the world, including North America, South America, Africa and Australia. In Thailand, it has been found from natural water sources. In Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Amoeba species Acanthamoeba There are 7 species that cause disease in humans, living independently in water, muddy soil, growing well at 25-35 degrees Celsius, found in general water sources. Including brackish water and sea water enter the body through the skin, eyes, respiratory system. causing skin and eye inflammation sinus infection The brain infection It is expected that the infection comes from the blood stream. Often infects the elderly. Patients with low immunity In healthy people, there are fewer symptoms of infection.
The incubation period of this type of amoeba is uncertain, may be longer than 10 days or persist for months. infection is subacute or chronic early symptoms Symptoms are similar to those of the flu, with sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of meningitis. Subsequently, symptoms similar to abscesses or brain tumors include seizures, confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, drowsiness, and death after about 3 weeks of onset.
Diagnosis can be made by examining cerebrospinal fluid. or pathological examination from biopsy to examination or antibody detection in cases of eye infections or other organs Should hurry to treat to prevent brain infection People who use contact lenses The lens should be cleaned with a clean, sterile solution. and should not wear contact lenses while swimming Although amoeba is not contagious and the chance of being infected until death is small. But should not be careless because if infected with amoeba. The chances of survival are very low.