Acanthamoeba castellanii
Free-living amoeba
Symptoms reported
- •Acanthamoeba keratitis
- •Corneal ulcers
- •Granulomatous amebic encephalitis
Life cycle
Exists as a free-living trophozoite or hardy cyst in soil and water, capable of invading eyes or the central nervous system.
Transmission
Contact with contaminated water, soil, or contact lens solutions.
Conventional medical treatment
Topical antiseptic agents like polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) or propamidine isethionate for corneal infection.
For information only. Discuss with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any pharmaceutical.
Treatment Options — Natural First, Pharmaceutical When Needed
Natural First
- •Berberine
- •Oregano oil
- •Thyme
- •Activated charcoal (binder)
- •Hydration + electrolytes
- •Rest + bone broth nutrition
Pharmaceutical (if natural-first insufficient)
- •Topical antiseptic agents like polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) or propamidine isethionate for corneal infection.
When to escalate to pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical first if: > 14 days of diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss > 5%, immunocompromised host, hepatic abscess (Entamoeba), CNS involvement, or pregnancy.
Traditional herbal alternatives
In stock at our apothecary
In our database (educational reference)
Each herb above carries a tradition. See the 2,000-year lineage of Western herbal medicine →
“Recent advances in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis... Rationale for their selective exclusion in corneal ulcers and contact lens care systems.”
— Foundations of Parasitology (Roberts, Janovy)
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before acting on anything you read here.