Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of encephalitis is caused by Acanthamoeba and other related amoebae?
What type of encephalitis is caused by Acanthamoeba and other related amoebae?
Which of the following amoebae can cause amebic encephalitis?
Which of the following amoebae can cause amebic encephalitis?
What is the typical time frame for symptoms of amebic encephalitis to arise after exposure?
What is the typical time frame for symptoms of amebic encephalitis to arise after exposure?
What is the usual method of diagnosing amebic encephalitis cases?
What is the usual method of diagnosing amebic encephalitis cases?
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What is a common source of exposure to amebic encephalitis via nasal rinsing?
What is a common source of exposure to amebic encephalitis via nasal rinsing?
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How quickly can death occur after infection with pathogenic amoebae leading to encephalitis?
How quickly can death occur after infection with pathogenic amoebae leading to encephalitis?
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Where are pathogenic amoebae commonly found?
Where are pathogenic amoebae commonly found?
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What recent trend has increased the risk of exposure to amebic encephalitis?
What recent trend has increased the risk of exposure to amebic encephalitis?
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How many opportunistically pathogenic amoebae are mentioned as responsible for amebic encephalitis?
How many opportunistically pathogenic amoebae are mentioned as responsible for amebic encephalitis?
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What condition is primarily linked to Acanthamoeba in contact lens users?
What condition is primarily linked to Acanthamoeba in contact lens users?
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Match the following amoebae with their characteristics:
Match the following amoebae with their characteristics:
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Match the following symptoms with their descriptions:
Match the following symptoms with their descriptions:
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Match the following exposure routes with their outcomes:
Match the following exposure routes with their outcomes:
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Match the following methods to their recommendations:
Match the following methods to their recommendations:
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Match the following timeframes with their meanings:
Match the following timeframes with their meanings:
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Match the following types of amoebic encephalitis with their sources:
Match the following types of amoebic encephalitis with their sources:
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Match the following descriptions with the correct health impacts:
Match the following descriptions with the correct health impacts:
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Match the following consequences with their associated actions:
Match the following consequences with their associated actions:
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Match the following concepts related to amoebae with their characteristics:
Match the following concepts related to amoebae with their characteristics:
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Match the following occurrences with their results:
Match the following occurrences with their results:
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Study Notes
Amebic Encephalitis
- Caused by three types of amoeba: Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri
- Symptoms are similar to other types of encephalitis and can appear up to 9 days after exposure
- Almost always fatal, with death occurring within 18 days of infection
- 75% of cases are diagnosed post-mortem, with amoeba cysts found in brain tissue
- Sources of exposure include soil and still, warm freshwater sources like lakes, hot springs, and drainage ditches
- Amoebae enter the body through skin cuts or inhalation through the nose
- Travel to the brain and cause encephalitis
- Nasal irrigation using tap water is a new route of exposure, as tap water may be contaminated with amoeba cysts
- Always use sterile water for nasal irrigation, not tap water.
Acanthamoeba
- Acanthamoeba is a microbe that can cause serious infections in humans, particularly in contact lens users.
- It can also cause amebic encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
Amebic Encephalitis
- Amebic encephalitis is a rare but deadly infection caused by three types of amoebae:
- Multiple Acanthamoeba spp. species
- Balamuthia mandrillaris
- Naegleria fowleri
- Symptoms are similar to other forms of encephalitis and can appear within 9 days of exposure.
- Death can occur within 18 days of infection.
- Diagnosis is often made at autopsy because of the rarity and severity of the infection.
Sources of Exposure
- Amebic encephalitis is contracted through exposure to contaminated soil and water sources like still lakes, hot springs, and drainage ditches.
- These amoebae can enter the body through cuts in the skin or by being inhaled through the nose.
- A growing concern for exposure is through nasal irrigation with tap water.
Nasal Irrigation and Amebic Encephalitis
- Nasal irrigation, such as with a Neti Pot, can introduce amoeba cysts into the sinuses.
- Tap water can be contaminated with amoeba cysts, especially in regions where freshwater is sourced from warm lakes.
- It is crucial to use sterile water for nasal irrigation, never tap water.
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Description
This quiz explores amebic encephalitis, focusing on its causes, symptoms, and sources of exposure. Learn about the three types of amoeba responsible and the critical information regarding nasal irrigation. Understand the necessity of using sterile water to prevent infection.