Naegleria fowleri (Brain-eating amoeba)

 

In Naegleria fowleri disease, the single-celled amoeba infects the brain, and cases are often fatal. Single-celled Naegleria fowleri, which is mostly found in fresh waters such as lakes and rivers, is transmitted only through the nose and is not passed from person to person.

Amoebae entering the olfactory canal pass through the nasal mucosa and settle in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain via the olfactory nerve. They cause meningitis, which is a sudden fatal disease called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

What Are the Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba?

As the name suggests, the disease caused by this type of amoeba is mainly the inflammation of the brain tissue called meningoencephalitis and the membrane surrounding the brain. It usually starts with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting within 10 days of ingestion. In the following days, neck stiffness typically develops, seizures, and consciousness are impaired. The delusions we call hallucinations begin. Loss of interest in one's surroundings. Loss of balance develops. It deteriorates rapidly, with coma and death within about 5 days.

Is there a cure?

There is no known cure for this disease. It is 97% fatal. There are two survivors after a new drug called Miltefosine was tried. However, it is very difficult to cope with the excessive brain edema that occurs in this disease.