Most of the time, the water looks clean and safe. People drink it, swim in it, and use it every day without much worry. But how many people think about what’s hidden inside?

Scientists are now warning that some dangerous bacteria are quietly surviving in the environment. water And soil. Climate change is making it easier for these organisms to grow and spread.

A recent article discusses one such threat called the free-living amoeba.

Environmental and public health researchers say this small group of microbes could become a serious public health risk if urgent action is not taken.

What is a free-living amoeba?

Free-living amoebas exist all over the world. Poor water systems, rising temperatures, and weak testing methods allow these microorganisms to grow undetected.

Many countries do not closely track these microorganisms, making early detection difficult.

Amoebas are unicellular organisms found in nature environment soil, lakes, rivers, tap water systems, etc.

A rare but deadly amoeba

Most types are not harmful to humans. However, some species can cause serious illness. One well-known example is Naegleria fowleri – Often called the brain-eating amoeba.

This amoeba can rarely cause brain infections if contaminated water enters the nose.

Swimming, diving, or using untreated water for nasal irrigation increases your risk.

Once the infection begins, the chance of survival is very low. Although cases remain rare, the fatal outcome is causing serious concern among health experts.

Where do amoebas live?

Free-living amoebas are increasing globally because they can survive in warm water. temperature Important risk factors.

As the climate warms, these organisms can expand into new areas where growth was once inhibited by cold conditions.

These organisms exhibit strong tolerance to harsh conditions. Corresponding author and researcher Longfei Shu from Sun Yat-sen University clearly explains the issue.

“What makes these organisms particularly dangerous is their ability to survive conditions that kill many other microorganisms,” Shu says.

“They can withstand high temperatures and powerful disinfectants such as chlorine, and can even live in water distribution systems that people think are safe.”

Limits of water treatment

Water treatment systems typically use chlorine to kill bacteria that can make people sick. Although this method is effective against many bacteria and viruses, free-living amoebas can survive even after chlorination.

Some types not only pass through the system, but also remain in water pipes and storage tanks. These hidden spaces grow over time, making complete removal very difficult.

Because these microorganisms persist in water systems, people can remain exposed without knowing it. Although water looks clean, smells normal, and tastes good, it still contains harmful microorganisms. Clean water does not necessarily mean safe water.

Bacteria hidden inside bacteria

Free-living amoebas pose another serious problem. These organisms can protect other harmful microorganisms within their cells.

Bacteria and viruses use amoebas to protect themselves from disinfectants and the environment stress. Scientists call this the Trojan horse effect.

Pathogens hidden within amoebas can travel through water systems undetected. Regular cleaning methods cannot reach these protected microorganisms. If bacteria or viruses are released, they can more easily infect people.

Researchers have also linked this process to antibiotic resistance. Microorganisms that survive inside the amoeba adapt and become harder to kill.

This increases long-term risks to public health and healthcare.

Global warming increases risks

Climate change will increase water temperatures around the world. Warm water supports the growth of heat-loving amoebas.

New infectious diseases may emerge even in areas that have not faced this problem before.

Recent outbreaks related to recreational water use are already causing concern in several countries.

Lakes, pools and water parks create ideal conditions for exposure, especially during heat waves.

As global temperatures rise, experts expect outbreaks to spread and exposure rates to rise unless stronger prevention measures are instituted soon.

protect water together

Researchers are calling for a One Health strategy. This approach combines human health, environmental science, and water management into one coordinated effort.

Better surveillance systems can help track amoebas before infections occur.

Improved diagnostic tools support rapid detection of patients and water facilities.

Advanced water treatment methods may also reduce risk. Strong collaboration between scientists, health authorities and water authorities remains essential.

Protection from deadly amoeba

“Amoebas are not just a medical or environmental problem,” Shu says.

“They sit at the intersection of both, and addressing them requires integrated solutions that protect public health at its source.”

Protecting water means protecting people. Early action can prevent hidden threats from becoming global crises.

The research will be published in a journal biological contaminants.

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