Research shows that certain types of amoebae, found in aquatic and soil environments, have the ability to survive in harsh conditions such as high temperatures and the presence of chlorine, which is lethal to most microbes. An example is Naegleria fowleri, known as the "brain-eating amoeba," which causes a rare but almost always fatal brain infection that can develop when contaminated water enters the nose during swimming.
Longfei Shu, the lead author of the study from Sun Yat-sen University, points to the high survivability of these organisms, making them particularly dangerous. They can withstand conditions that kill most other microbes, including high temperatures and strong disinfectants, and can inhabit water supply systems considered safe.
However, the most concerning aspect is that free-living amoebae can serve as a refuge for dangerous bacteria and viruses, allowing them to evade disinfection and potentially spread. These pathogens can survive inside amoebae, protected from treatment, creating a "Trojan horse" effect that enables them to persist and spread through drinking water systems, contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers note that climate change, the deterioration of water bodies, and insufficient attention to monitoring these microbes contribute to their spread. It is expected that rising global temperatures will only exacerbate the situation, allowing heat-loving amoebae to migrate to regions where they were previously absent. Disease outbreaks related to recreational water use have already raised concerns in several countries.
The authors of the study call for a comprehensive "One Health" strategy that will unite efforts in public health, ecology, and water resource management. They emphasize the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance, developing faster and more accurate diagnostic methods, and implementing modern water purification technologies to minimize the risks of infections.
Shu emphasizes that the issues related to amoebae are not limited to just medical or ecological fields; they bridge both areas, requiring a comprehensive approach to protect public health at the most fundamental level.
