amoebae (Brain Eating)

 

                                  It is a dangerous and rare central nervous system infection which is caused by amoebae found in freshwater , lakes and rivers. PAM is one of the types of a broader disease called amoebic encephalitis. The initial symptoms of PAM are similar to bacterial meningitis. The mortality rate is above 90% even with antimicrobial therapy, according to a report by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information. It is also known as brain eating amoeba as it directly affects brain cells and tissues.

• How 'brain-eating' amoeba spread?

Naegleria fowleri infections typically occur when individuals swim in warm freshwater bodies where the ameba is present. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infections can also occur, albeit rarely, when contaminated water from other sources enters the nose.

The ameba infects people by entering the body through the nose, with a higher likelihood of infection when water is forced into the nose under pressure, such as during diving. Swallowing contaminated water does not cause infection, and Naegleria fowleri cannot be spread from person to person.

• What is this brain-eating amoeba?

                  Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," is a single-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. It can infect humans when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming or diving.

                  Once inside the nasal passages, the amoeba can travel to the brain, causing a rare but severe infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM is almost always fatal, leading to the destruction of brain tissue and severe inflammation.

• What are the signs?

               Early symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, which rapidly progress to more severe neurological issues such as seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Due to its rapid progression and high fatality rate, Naegleria fowleri poses a significant health threat when exposure occurs.

• What are some ways to prevent it?

             Preventing Naegleria fowleri infections involves minimising exposure to warm freshwater sources where the amoeba may be present.

• How to protect yourself from brain-eating amoeba

        Medical experts said the infection occurs when free-living, non-parasitic amoebae bacteria enter the body through the nose from contaminated water.

          The health authorities have advised people to exercise caution against amoebic meningoencephalitis.

        The disease was earlier reported in coastal Alappuzha district in the state in 2023 and 2017.