The county public health department is notified that an organism has been identified in a local lake, which is popular for water recreation and swimming. Acanthamoeba is familiar to the public health officials as an amoeba that can cause a fatal brain disease in both normal and immunocompromised individuals. An RN is a member of the taskforce assigned to the development and dissemination of community education. The team prepares information for the public to be released to media outlets and posted at the lake.
-The public health team informs the community that Acanthamoeba may be transmitted in which stage(s)of its life cycle?

Question

The county public health department is notified that an organism has been identified in a local lake, which is popular for water recreation and swimming. Acanthamoeba is familiar to the public health officials as an amoeba that can cause a fatal brain disease in both normal and immunocompromised individuals. An RN is a member of the taskforce assigned to the development and dissemination of community education. The team prepares information for the public to be released to media outlets and posted at the lake. 
-The public health team informs the community that Acanthamoeba may be transmitted in which stage(s)of its life cycle?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acanthamoeba can be transmitted in both trophozoite and encystment stages. The trophozoite stage is the active feeding and replicating form, while the encystment stage is a protective stage that enables the organism to survive in harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures and lack of nutrients. Therefore, community members should take precautions to avoid exposure to both stages of the amoeba to reduce their risk of infection.

The County Public Health Department Is Notified That an Organism