Sappinia diploidea

Sappinia diploidea is a free-living^[1] amoeba species.^[2]

Background

Sappinia can be found worldwide. It usually occurs in elk and buffalo feces, places where farm animals are known to eat, soil containing rotting plants, and fresh water sources.^[3]

Clinical significance

It is capable of causing infectious disease in humans.^[4][5][6]

Symptoms of Sappinia Infection

Symptoms of a Sappinia infection include headache, photophobia, nausea or upset stomach, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. A scan of the one, infected patient’s brain also revealed a 2-centimeter tumor-like mass on the back left section of his brain.^[3]

Treatment

Treatment for the one identified case of Sappinia infection included the removal of a tumor in the brain and a series of drugs given to the patient after surgery. This treatment led to the patient’s full recovery.^[7][8][9]

References