Survival of Acanthamoeba cysts after desiccation for more than 20 years

J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Dec;46(12):4045-8. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01903-08. Epub 2008 Oct 15.

Abstract

Acanthamoeba is a free-living ameba that is found throughout the world and that causes encephalitis, keratitis, and cutaneous infections in humans. It has two stages in its life cycle: a trophic stage and a resistant cyst stage. We describe here the ability of Acanthamoeba cysts to survive desiccation for more than 20 years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba / growth & development*
  • Animals
  • Cell Survival*
  • Cysts*
  • Desiccation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male