Acanthamoeba Differs from Naegleria Fowleri in That Only Acanthamoeba

Question

Acanthamoeba differs from Naegleria fowleri in that only Acanthamoeba
A)is a free-living ameba of freshwaters.
B)enters typically through broken skin or the conjunctiva.
C)is the cause of primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
D)enters through the nasal mucosa.
E)is acquired by swimming in contaminated water.

Accepted Answer

Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri are both free-living amebae found in freshwaters, but Acanthamoeba typically enters the body through broken skin or the conjunctiva, while Naegleria fowleri enters through the nasal mucosa. Acanthamoeba can cause a variety of infections, including granulomatous amebic encephalitis, but it is not typically the cause of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which is caused by Naegleria fowleri. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to infection with both Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri.