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While some illnesses, like the flu, might leave you feeling a bit drained but aren't likely to cause much harm, there are far more dangerous microbes that can lead to severe and shocking consequences. Many of these are caused by nasty protozoans and amoebas, single-celled parasites that can wreak havoc on the body. Here are 10 protozoans you definitely don't want to encounter.
10. Acanthamoeba
Acanthamoeba is an amoeba found in freshwater, brackish water, pools, hot tubs, HVAC systems, soil, and even dust—essentially, this amoeba is everywhere.
You can contract this amoeba through open wounds or by coming into contact with infected waters. Once inside your body, it enters the bloodstream, where it can lead to either keratitis, a painful eye infection, or granulomatous encephalitis, a dangerous infection affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Although keratitis is generally straightforward to treat, infections in the brain and spinal cord are much more difficult to manage. These conditions often lead to symptoms such as confusion, difficulty focusing, impaired motor control, seizures, and hallucinations, which intensify as the infection spreads. Ultimately, such infections can be fatal.
9. Balamuthia mandrillaris
Balamuthia mandrillaris is an amoeba that resides in the soil, easily contracted by inhaling air near contaminated areas. It can also enter the body through open wounds or cuts.
B. mandrillaris is more prevalent in temperate climates. If you’re unfortunate enough to become infected, initial symptoms are usually mild, including vomiting, fatigue, and fever. As the infection worsens, it can lead to severe complications like mental health disturbances, seizures, speech difficulties, and even paralysis.
The most troubling aspect of this infection is the lack of effective treatment. Symptoms may not appear for months, and when they do, it's often too late for intervention.
While there are treatments available for this disease, doctors usually only identify it just before the patient passes away. This late diagnosis renders the medications largely ineffective, even when they are prescribed.
8. Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba histolytica is the parasite responsible for amoebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery. This harmful organism affects both humans and animals and results in thousands of fatalities annually.
The infection is typically contracted by touching feces or anything that has been contaminated by feces. Although this may seem difficult, animal feces can also spread the parasite, meaning something as simple as picking up your dog's waste could expose you to the disease.
Once infected, it usually takes about ten days for symptoms to appear. Common signs include fever, nausea, and diarrhea. In addition to these typical symptoms, E. histolytica can also cause abscesses to form in the liver, lungs, or even the brain.
For those unlucky enough to contract this disease, there is still hope for recovery. Doctors can typically treat it with one or two antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.
7. Leishmania
Leishmania is a parasite transmitted by sandfly bites, which can occur in tropical regions or even parts of Europe. Unfortunately, this makes the disease more common than some others on this list.
Leishmania causes leishmaniasis, which results in lesions on the skin. While these skin sores are usually a minor inconvenience, the parasite can also affect internal organs, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
To make matters worse, treatment options are limited. If you contract leishmania, you’ll have only two FDA-approved drugs to choose from—amphotericin B and miltefosine. Additionally, diagnosing the disease involves a series of invasive bone marrow and blood tests.
It's probably wise to avoid this particular parasite altogether, rather than waiting to treat it after the damage is done.
6. Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium falciparum is one of four protozoans that causes malaria, a disease affecting the red blood cells. Malaria is commonly transmitted through mosquito bites, making it especially prevalent in tropical areas where mosquitoes thrive.
Malaria begins with a fever and chills, but it can escalate to much more severe symptoms such as coma, kidney failure, and seizures.
While malaria was once a deadly disease, modern medicine offers treatment in the form of pills. There are also preventative medications available to protect you from contracting the disease, so if you're heading to a tropical region soon, you're likely safe from this troublesome parasite.
5. Cyclospora cayetanensis
No one enjoys dealing with stomach issues, but if you contract Cyclospora cayetanensis, that's exactly what you'll be facing. This parasite triggers cyclosporiasis, a condition that causes bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and painful stomach cramps.
The most common way to contract this illness is by drinking contaminated water, which is yet another reason to always opt for bottled water while abroad!
While this infection won't be fatal, it can drag on for weeks. In other words, expect persistent digestive distress—how unpleasant! Thankfully, the illness often resolves on its own, but it may leave behind lingering fatigue and a diminished appetite—and possibly a smaller circle of friends.
4. Toxoplasma gondii
Many people love cuddling and kissing their cats, but they might want to reconsider before doing so. That's because a dangerous protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii resides in cat feces and can infect humans, leading to some serious consequences.
When these parasites invade humans, they can cause toxoplasmosis, which presents flu-like symptoms. In addition, it can heighten the risk of developing schizophrenia, brain inflammation, and even vision loss!
Despite the alarming effects, many toxoplasmosis cases resolve without intervention. However, if symptoms persist, medical help may be required to avoid complications like seizures.
3. Entamoeba gingivalis
If you dread dental appointments, Entamoeba gingivalis is one amoeba you'll definitely want to avoid. This microorganism lurks in the biofilm at the base of your teeth and in periodontal pockets.
There is some ongoing debate among scientists about whether E. gingivalis directly causes problems in your mouth or if it’s merely a consequence of another issue. However, it’s widely accepted that this amoeba is typically found in the mouths of individuals with gum disease. People with healthy gums rarely carry this microorganism.
Entamoeba gingivalis is commonly transmitted through direct contact, like sharing toothbrushes or kissing. These fast-moving amoebas, if left unchecked, can lead to periodontitis.
The good news is that you can treat this amoeba by eliminating the biofilm. While it may cause significant oral damage, it's also relatively simple to treat.
2. Naegleria fowleri
One of the most frightening amoebas is Naegleria fowleri, a dangerous microorganism that thrives in warm, shallow waters. While it typically feeds on bacteria, it can also target neurons and astrocytes (brain cells) if given the chance.
This dangerous amoeba harms humans by swimming up the nose, eventually reaching the brain where it begins to feast on neurons and brain cells. Due to this destructive behavior, it has earned the nickname 'the brain-eating amoeba.'
What makes this amoeba particularly insidious is the fact that symptoms don’t show up for about five days. By the time they do, it’s usually too late for effective intervention.
On the bright side, this amoeba isn’t contagious, and it can’t cause harm if ingested. However, to avoid it entering your nose, it’s best to keep your face above water when swimming in natural bodies of water.
1. Giardia duodenalis
Giardia duodenalis is a troublesome protozoan that causes an illness known as 'beaver fever.' Giardiasis, or beaver fever, occurs when a person consumes the protozoan, which can be found in feces, contaminated food, or water.
Once infected, you’ll likely experience symptoms like diarrhea and unintentional weight loss. Some individuals may even develop lactose intolerance as a consequence of the infection.
While this parasite is unpleasant to catch, it is treatable with relative ease. If a doctor diagnoses giardiasis, they’ll typically prescribe tinidazole or metronidazole to help you recover.
