Supergroup Unikonta: BAL-Fall 2026-General Microbiology

Most Amoebozoa species are single-celled organisms utilizing pseudopods or a single flagellum.

Clinically Relevant Genera of Amoebozoa

Acanthamoeba

• Reservoir: Soil, fresh water, dust, HVAC systems, pools, hot tubs, humidifiers.

• Key Features: Infections are rare but often fatal.

• Diseases: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, Acanthamoebic keratitis.

• Affected Sites: Skin, eyes, brain, sinuses.

• Micrograph: Fig. A (Phase contrast of Acanthamoeba polyphaga cyst; CDC/Dr. George Healy).

Entamoeba histolytica

• Reservoir: Fecally contaminated fresh water and human gut/feces.

• Key Features: Existing as cysts and converting to trophozoites in host.

• Diseases: Enterobiasis.

• Affected Sites: Intestines.

• Micrograph: Fig. B (Iodine-stained E. histolytica cyst in stool specimen).

References and Attribution

• Sources: CDC PHIL (#1425), CDC Amebiasis & Acanthamoeba Infections publications, OpenStax Microbiology (2022).

• Attribution: Modified from CC BY 4.0 by Shreya Patel for Ivy Tech Community College (Fall 2026).