Living with Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae
Infections caused by free-living amoebae found in water, which can affect the brain and nervous system.
Understanding Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae
Naegleria fowleri causes an acute central nervous system infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia can cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in people with weakened immune systems. Sappinia pedata has been tied to a case of amebic encephalitis. These amoebae are commonly found in lakes, swimming pools, tap water, and heating and air conditioning units.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity of the eyes to light
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Changes in behavior
- Abnormal findings on brain imaging
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is caused by free-living amoebae, which live in places like lakes, swimming pools, and tap water. Some types cause disease mainly in people with weakened immune systems.
Also known as: free-living ameba infection; specific infections by free-living amebae
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae.
Explore research for Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae
Explore actively recruiting Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Amoebiasis due to free-living amoebae experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.