Brain-Eating Amoeba

Written by Aditi Avunuri

Brain-eating amoeba, also referred to as Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba notorious for being rare but deadly. Naegleria fowleri is typically present in poorly chlorinated swimming pools and warm tap water, with optimal growth at higher temperatures. Since the infection is exceedingly rare but almost uniformly fatal, prevention and awareness are extremely important. The infection commonly takes place when an amoeba goes into the nostrils, mainly while swimming, diving, or spraying the nose with contaminated water. It is a route to the brain through the olfactory nerve. It leads to a very serious and rapidly progressive infection of the brain known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. 

It is quite interesting to note that the amoeba cannot spread to humans through the drinking of water; it has to take the passage of the nose. Though there is no known cure for PAM, some have been treated successfully with early treatment. Early treatment may be initiated with a combination of miltefosine, an investigational medication that has cured some survivors, plus amphotericin B, an antifungal medication. Additionally, brain cooling therapy has been used to improve survival chances and reduce swelling. 

The thought of an amoeba consuming brains is horrifying, but fortunately, it is extremely uncommon. However, incidents have also been observed in northern states as a result of climate change brought on by global warming. Researchers are still trying to

figure out why some people who are exposed to the amoeba get fatal infections while others do not. Until more is learned, taking simple preventive measures can decrease the risk and ensure safety while participating in freshwater activities. 

Sources: 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24485-brain-eating-amoeba https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html

Written by Aditi Avunuri from MEDILOQUY