What is Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria Fowleri, commonly known as the amoeba that eats brain, causes a mortal infection in the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Naegleria Fowleri is an amoeba that is found in warm fresh water and soil. Protula in temperatures up to 115 ° F (46 ° C). Recently, a 14 -year -old boy named Mridul by Kozhikode, Kerala, lost his life tragically after contracting this disease while bathed in a small pond. This incident highlights the dangers posed by the warm places of fresh water throughout the country.
Life cycle or naegleria Fowleri
Naegleria Fowleri exists in three forms:
- Cyst: Under notes, ameba forms a cyst, which is resistant to environmental tension.
- Trophozoite: The active feeding stage where amoeba multiplies and consumes bacteria.
- Flagellate: A temporal and not fed form that can move in search of a more favorable environment.
The trophozoite stage is the most dangerous for humans, since it is the way that causes infection.
How the disease affects the human body
Naegleria Fowleri is a small organism that lives in warm fresh water such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. It can also be found on the ground. AMEBA becomes particularly dangerous when it enters the human body through the nose. It is more commonly in:
- Warm freshwater lakes and rivers
- Thermal waters
- Geothermal water sources
- Poorly kept pools chlorinated
- Water heaters and industrial plants with warm water discharges
Infection process:
- Entrance through the nose: The amoeba enters the nose when someone puts their heads in the water that contains the amoeba.
- Travel to the brain: After entering the nose, Naegleria Fowleri moves to the brain along the olfactory nerve.
- Destruction of brain tissue: Amoeba multiplies rapidly and begins to destroy brain tissue, causing serious swelling and any death.
Symptoms or infection by Naegleria Fowleri
Symptoms or PAM may resemble bacterial meningitis, which makes early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms generally appear 2 to 15 days after exposure and include:
- Early signs: Severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and rigid neck.
- Subsequent signs: Confusion, balance problems, seizures, hallucinations and coma. Due to the rapid progression of the infection, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if thesis symptoms occur after being in warm fresh water.
Prevention:
- Avoid stagnant water: Stay away from swimming or bathing in warm and still water where amoeba can live.
- Use nose clips: Use nose clips while swimming to prevent water from entering your nose.
- Keep clean pools: Make sure the pools are well chlorinated and maintain good hygiene practices.
- Maintain the surface level: Avoid placing the head under water in warm fresh water.
Treatment:
The treatment for PAM aims to improve the possibilities through early detection and aggressive therapy. The CDC recommends a combination of:
- Anfothericin b: Administered through IV injections and spinals to fight Ameba.
- Azithromycin: An effective antibiotic against amoebas.
- Senior: An experimental drug showing the promise in the treatment of PAM.
- Rifampín: Another antibiotic used in combination with other treatments.
- Dexamethasone: A steroid to reduce brain swelling.
Recent cases in Kerala:
In 2023, Kerala reported four deaths due to PAM, alarm health officials and the public. Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed a special meeting to address the problem and suggest preventive measures.
Government response to the disease:
The Kerala government has proactive steps tasks to avoid the spread of this mortal infection. The State Minister of Health, Veena George, the main secretary Dr. Venu, and other officials, have actively involved participation in awareness and implement security measures. Public health campaigns emphasize to keep water sources clean and educate the public about the risks of Naegleria Fowleri.
Historical cases in India:
While recent cases in Kerala have received significant attention, PAM is not new in India. According to the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Program of the Central Government (IDSP), 22 deaths have been reported in Kerala, Haryana and Chandigarh since 2016. Six of these deaths occurred after 2021, indicating a growing trend in infections.
First case in Kerala:
The first known case of PAM in Kerala was in 2016. Since then, there are more legs in the legs, underlining the need for surveillance and better public health efforts.
Other cases
Worldwide, there are only a few survivors or infection by Naegleria Fowleri. In the United States, three people have survived, while another five have survived worldwide. These cases highlight the importance of rapid response and innovative treatment approaches.
Myths and facts
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
| It is an amoeba that consumes brain that consumes brains. | It is an amoeba that is found in fresh water and warm soil, causing a strange but mortal cerebral infection. |
| Drinking contaminated water causes infection. | Enter the nose rotating activities such as swimming in warm fresh water. |
| It is broad and affects many people. | It is extremely rare but almost always deadly. |
| Effective chlorine kills Naegleria. | The chlorinated enamel is safer, but it is even better to avoid warm fresh water. |
| There is a specific treatment for PAM. | Without specific cure, but early diagnosis and aggressive therapy improve survival possibilities. |
Conclusion
Naegleria Fowleri is rare but very dangerous. Consciousness and preventive measures are essential to combat this mortal amoeba. Public health campaigns, the best medical care and water quality monitoring are crucial in the fight against Naegleria Fowleri. Understanding the risks and taking precautions can reduce the incidence of this disease.
Frequent questions
What is Naegleria Fowleri? Naegleria Fowleri is a small organism that is found in fresh and warm water. It causes a strange but mortal cerebral infection called the primary amoebic menurencephalitis (PAM).
How does Naegleria Fowleri propagate? This amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually when they swim in warm fresh water. Drinking dirty water does not cause the infection.
Is Naegleria Fowleri common? No, it is very strange but almost always deadly. Only a few cases are informed worldwide every year.
Can chlorine kill Naegleria Fowleri? Chlorine can kill Naegleria effective, causing chlorine enamel to be safer. However, it is even better to avoid swimming in warm fresh water.
Is there a cure for Naegleria Fowleri? There is no specific treatment, but if early and aggressive therapy is diagnosed, it can improve survival possibilities.
