Naegleriasis

Naegleriasis is a rare and usually fatal brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba is typically found in warm freshwater environments, such as hot springs and warm lakes. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose. From there, the amoeba travels to the brain where it causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain inflammation that leads to the destruction of brain tissue.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of naegleriasis may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about 5 days.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of naegleriasis can be challenging because the disease progresses rapidly, so that diagnosis is often made after death. The disease is diagnosed by detecting Naegleria fowleri in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), biopsy, or tissue specimens, or by detecting DNA of Naegleria fowleri in CSF or tissue specimens.

Treatment

Treatment for naegleriasis generally involves a combination of several drugs, including an antifungal drug called amphotericin B, which can be effective against Naegleria fowleri. However, even with treatment, the disease is usually fatal.

Prevention

Prevention of naegleriasis involves avoiding warm freshwater environments or using nose clips when swimming or diving in such environments. It is also important to avoid disturbing the sediment while swimming in shallow, warm freshwater areas.

See also

• Amoebiasis
• Meningoencephalitis
• Parasitic diseases

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