Acanthamoeba castellanii amoeba in cerebrospinal fluid, computer illustration. This is the reproductive and infective stage of the organism, or trophozoite form. A. castellanii, a free-living single-celled organism, is found in all aquatic habitats and soil. It can infect the eye causing Acanthamoeba keratitis, a potentially blinding inflammation of the cornea. Although rare, infection is more common amongst contact lens wearers. Another type of infection caused by Acanthamoeba is meningitis and meningoencephalitis, in which amoeba are found in cerebrospinal fluid. This illustration shows cerebrospinal fluid containing Acanthamoeba and numerous neutrophils. |