Brain-eating Amoeba
Why it Matters?
Kerala reported three cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Kozhikode, caused by Naegleria fowleri (“brain-eating amoeba”). One child died, two others are critical. Kerala accounts for most Indian cases of Brain eating amoeba.
What You Should Know?
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused mainly by Naegleria fowleri, also called the “brain-eating amoeba.”
Naegleria fowleri is thermophilic and found in warm freshwater, ponds, rivers, lakes, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The amoeba is also found in soil and dust.
Infection occurs when contaminated water or dust enters the nasal cavity, not by drinking water.
The amoeba travels through the olfactory nerve to reach the brain.
Person-to-person transmission does not occur.
Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and hallucinations.
Incubation period is 1–9 days for Naegleria fowleri, but weeks to months for Acanthamoeba.
Global fatality rate is about 97%.
First PAM case in India was reported in 1971 and first case in Kerala was reported in 2016.
Kerala is the first state in India to issue a special treatment protocol and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for PAM.
Early detection and use of drugs like amphotericin B, miltefosine, rifampicin, and azithromycin improve chances of survival.