Brain-Eating Amoeba

GS Paper II Health

Context:

Recently, a 15-year-old boy in Kerala’s Alappuzha district died due to a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri or “brain-eating amoeba”.

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Image Source: The Indian Express

About Naegleria fowleri:

Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as “brain-eating amoeba,” is a single-cell organism.
It is found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, hot springs and swimming pool.
It is so small that it can only be seen with a microscope.
Only one species of Naegleria, Naegleria fowleri, infects people.
Spread:
- The amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, leading to a severe and usually fatal brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- It does not spread from person to person.
Prevention Measures for Swimmers
- Avoiding warm freshwater bodies with inadequate chlorination
- Using nose clips during water-related activities
- Using sterile water for nasal cleansing rituals
- Maintain clean swimming pools and practice proper hygiene
Symptoms: Severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations
Death Rate: 97%
Treatment: US-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends treatment with a combination of drugs, often including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.