Do you know what “Amoeba” is? Is it really life threatening?

Amoeba or amoeba is a single-celled protozoan (protozoa) that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Not much bigger than bacteria. The amoeba reproduces asexually by dividing 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)

It is an amoeba that was first found in 1965, but was first reported in Thailand 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 Surveys of water bodies in several provinces were conducted in Thailand: Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket. and from water sources in the industrial area of ​​Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan province

The amoeba, Negeria Fowlery species, grows well in temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius, found in general water sources. Except in brackish water or the sea it can be transmitted to humans by choking on water or inhaling infectious dust and passing through the brain and further dividing causing inflammation and destruction of brain tissue and meninges, often infecting healthy, young people and who swim 2-3 days before symptoms appear, 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, back stiffness, convulsions. On the 4th or 5th day, the patient starts to lose consciousness. and died within 1-2 days after

However, if promptly and accurately diagnosed and treated, the patient’s life can be saved by intravenous administration of amphotericin B and miconazole. and enters the brain It is best to avoid swimming or playing in standing water. or water from industrial plants Beware of suffocation In swimming pools, the water should be filtered clean. and check regularly Let there be no cracks to prevent amoeba infection in the brain

The 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, live independently in water, muddy ground, grow 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 inflammation of the skin and eyes sinusitis The infection of the brain The infection is expected to come from the bloodstream. It 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, it can last more than 10 days or persist for months. the 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. Later, symptoms similar to abscesses or brain tumors include seizures, confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, drowsiness, and death about 3 weeks after onset.

The diagnosis can be made by examining the cerebrospinal fluid. o pathological examination from biopsy to examination o detection of antibodies in case of eye or other organ infections Should rush to treat to prevent infection of the brain People who use contact lenses The lens should be cleaned with a clean and sterile solution . and should not wear contact lenses while swimming Although the amoeba is not contagious and the chance of being infected until death is small. But shouldn’t be careless because if infected with amoeba. The chances of survival are very low.