PathologyLesson 2 of 2 in the course Skin and Eye Infections

Acanthamoeba Infections and Loiasis: Skin and Eye Disease

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

This lesson introduces Acanthamoeba, a free-living protozoan that can infect the skin and eyes and, rarely, spread to the nervous system. Understanding how it is acquired and why contact lens care matters can help prevent serious eye damage.

Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae found commonly in soil and unchlorinated freshwater. Some species can cause infections involving the eyes, skin, or nervous system. The amoebae may enter through the eye, through a skin wound, or through the respiratory tract. Not every exposure causes illness; serious disease is more likely in people with weakened immune systems.

All flashcards

What is Acanthamoeba?
A genus of free-living amoebae found in soil and unchlorinated freshwater; some species infect the eyes, skin, or nervous system.
What is Acanthamoeba keratitis?
Corneal inflammation caused by Acanthamoeba that can damage vision if treatment is delayed.
How can contact lens wearers reduce their risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis?
Disinfect lenses properly and avoid wearing them while swimming or using a hot tub.
How is loiasis transmitted?
Deerflies of the genus Chrysops deposit Loa loa larvae when they bite a person.
What are Calabar swellings?
Areas of allergic inflammation that can occur in people with loiasis.

Quiz questions

  1. Which structure is inflamed in Acanthamoeba keratitis?Answer: The cornea
  2. Which medication is preferred for treating loiasis when appropriate?Answer: Diethylcarbamazine
  3. Which insect genus transmits Loa loa?Answer: Chrysops deerflies
  4. What does a positive antibody test for Loa loa indicate?Answer: Exposure at some time, not necessarily active infection
  5. Which people are more likely to develop serious Acanthamoeba disease?Answer: People with weakened immune systems

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Pathology

All Pathology lessons
PathologyPathogenesis and Clinical Features of Major Bacterial Gastrointestinal Diseases5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyTransmission and Tissue Effects of Major Parasitic Infections5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologySkin Barriers, Skin Microbiota, and Eye Defenses and Inflammation5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyReproductive-System Viruses: HSV, HPV, and Surveillance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyProtozoan Gastrointestinal Infections: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, and Cyclospora5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PathologyBacterial Respiratory Infections: Pathogens, Mechanisms, and Clinical Features5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →