Acanthamoeba Found More Widely in Kerala’s Waterbodies Than Expected

Speedy Summary:

• Acanthamoeba,a free-living amoeba found in environmental water sources,is being increasingly identified as a public health concern in Kerala.
• The organism causes both eye infections like keratitis and possibly life-threatening brain infections known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE).
• Research led by Dr. Anna Cherian at Thiruvananthapuram’s Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) in 2013 revealed widespread cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis among rural laborers exposed too household well water: 314 cases were identified out of 350 patients with keratitis,primarily linked to contaminated wells.
• Contaminated well water was isolated as the major source for these infections; chlorination was recommended to mitigate risks.
• Patients at higher risk include manual laborers exposed to contaminated water with micro tears on their corneal surface and immunocompromised individuals vulnerable through wounds or skin exposure.
• High E.coli concentrations in the State’s waterbodies foster the growth of Acanthamoeba,adding significance to well-cleaning efforts for public health protection.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:
The identification of Acanthamoeba infections linked to poorly maintained water sources underscores an urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure and frequent monitoring of household wells across Kerala. Given findings that high coliform levels contribute significantly to pathogen growth, mass cleaning campaigns-including consistent chlorination-are essential steps toward halting this emerging public health threat before it escalates further.

Efforts must also focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as rural manual workers or immunocompromised individuals who may have heightened exposure risks due to environmental conditions and limited access to preventive care. Opting for robust awareness programs about hygiene practices-especially eye care-and ensuring adequate surveillance mechanisms could help minimize preventable loss of sight or severe neurological complications caused by this pathogen.

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