D2I2.
infection⚑ High burden in India

Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba (AK) is a rare disease in which amoebae of the Acanthamoeba invade the clear portion of the front () 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 of the skin, eyes, and central nervous system.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Treatment

  • ·Topical medications, surgical debridement,

Complications

  • ·Visual impairment, blindness

Test yourself

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4 quick questions on Acanthamoeba keratitis. Tap an answer to check it.

1. Acanthamoeba keratitis happens when tiny organisms invade which part of the eye?
2. Where are Acanthamoeba commonly found?
3. Who is at higher risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis?
4. Untreated Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause what?
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.