Epidemiology of Pathogenic Free-living Amoeba

Abstract

Free-living amoeba (FLA) is a free living parasitic organism which have the capability to infect human and attack various vital organs e.q., the central nervous system, eyes, skin, nose, lungs and kidneys; depending on which organ is reached. When it comes to the central nervous system, this disease is very fatal and potentially lethal because the diagnosis of FLA infection is often overlooked. The genera that can infect humans are Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria spp. (Naegleria fowleri) and Balamuthia (Balamuthia mandrillaris). This amoeba is widespread in nature and can be found in environmental abandoned waters such as water in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, baths, tubs and water tanks. The mode of transmission or transmission by this free-living amoeba can be accidentally by way of inhalation while swimming, or entering through the mouth or entering through broken skin. Children and young adults are at risk of infection. Diagnosis is made by microscopic examination, namely direct examination to find trophozoites and cysts in specimens such as cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue or by culture. In addition, serological and molecular tests such as PCR can also be performed.