Acanthamoebiasis is a rare infectious disease caused by free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and amebic keratitis (AK). They also have been associated with cutaneous lesions and sinusitis in individuals with compromised immune systems. Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in the environment, including soil, water and air. Entry can occur through the eye, the nasal passages, or ulcerated or broken skin.
The most commonly isolated strain of Acanthamoeba from patients with GAE and AK is genotype T4. Acanthamoeba acts as a host and vector for many pathogenic microorganisms.
