Brain Eating Amoeba / Naegleria fowleri

Context:

The Kerala Health Department has brushed aside speculation that there is an inordinate delay in diagnosing amoebic meningoencephalitis as samples are being sent to the State Public Health Lab. There has been reporting of multiple cases of the infection and a death in recent days in Kozhikode.

UPSC Relevance:

Diseases and Treatment therapies are often asked in Prelims.

PYQ 2023:

 Q: ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? 

a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

b) Converting crop residues into packing material

c) Producing biodegradable plastics

d) Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass.

Naegleria fowleri Infections:

• Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba, a kind of one-celled organism.
• It is often called the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can infect the brain and destroy brain tissue.
• Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs around the world.
• In very rare cases, Naegleria fowleri has been found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and other recreational venues. The ameba also has been found in tap water.
• If water containing the ameba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
• The infection is not spread from swallowing water containing the ameba. One can’t get an infection from someone else or pass it on to others.
• Early symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck, which can appear within one to nine days after exposure. 
• As the infection progresses, symptoms may escalate to confusion, altered behavior, seizures, and eventually coma and death. 
• Diagnosing PAM is challenging due to its rarity and symptom similarity to other conditions like bacterial meningitis. A high clinical suspicion, combined with cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PCR tests, is essential for timely diagnosis.
• Treating PAM is extremely difficult, and the infection is almost always fatal. The standard treatment includes antifungal and antibiotic medications, often administered an antiparasitic drug. 
• Despite aggressive therapy, the survival rate remains very low, making early diagnosis and prompt treatment crucial.
• Prevention Tips
  • Avoid Warm Freshwater: Limit activities in warm freshwater bodies, especially during periods of high temperatures.
  • Use Nose Clips: When swimming or engaging in water sports, use nose clips to prevent water from entering the nasal passages.
  • Clean Noses After Swimming: Rinse your child’s nose with hot water after swimming.
  • Monitor Water Activities: Keep a close eye on children’s activities in water.