Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis  Latest News

Recently, Kerala’s health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back to back cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported in the region.

About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

• It is an infection of the brain and the membranes covering the brain.
• Cause: It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain eating amoeba”.
• Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm, fresh water and soil, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose.
• This is a very rare, but serious disease with a mortality rate of more than 95%.
• It affects mainly young, active people.
• It is classified into two main types: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE). 
  • PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, while GAE is typically associated with Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris.
  • PAM tends to progress rapidly and is often fatal within a few days, whereas GAE develops more slowly but is equally deadly if not treated promptly. 
• Transmission: The amoeba that causes the infection occurs in shallow surface waters and incorrectly maintained swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, particularly in warm climates. 
• Infection occurs when infected water enters the nose. This can happen when diving, jumping, or swimming in freshwater. 
• The amoeba then invades the brain and meninges through the nose. 
• Symptoms: sore throat, headache and pain in the forehead, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, high fever etc.
• Treatment: Swift diagnosis and treatment with specific antibiotics may be useful, but recovery is rare.

Source: IE

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