棘变形虫属，是变形虫的一种，是土壤里最常见的原生动物。在淡水和其他动物栖地都能发现。

• 寄生虫学-protozoa(原虫)-Acanthamoeba spp.(棘阿米巴属)

Acanthamoeba is a genus of amoebae, one of the most common protozoa in soil, and frequently found in fresh water and other habitats. Acanthamoeba has two evolutive forms, the metabolically active trophozoite and a dormant, stress resistant cyst. Trophozoites are small, usually 15 to 35 μm in length and amoeboid in shape. In nature, Acanthamoeba species are free-living bacterivores, but in certain situations they can cause infections (Acanthamebiasis) in humans and other animals.