Naegleri fowleri, an amoeba responsible for severe CNS infection, thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater. It infiltrates the human body through the nasal passage, with miltefosine emerging as a potential treatment avenue.
What is brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba thriving in warm and shallow freshwater bodies globally, including lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil. It’s categorized as a free-living organism due to its independence from a host.
Infection with this amoeba leads to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a grave affliction impacting the central nervous system, with an overwhelmingly high fatality rate.
(Note: “Amoeba” is more prevalent than “ameba,” both denoting a single-celled organism.)
How do you get infected by brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
The primary route of infection by this amoeba involves contaminated water entering the nose. Subsequently, the amoeba migrates to the brain. This mode of transmission typically occurs during activities like swimming, diving, water skiing, primarily in water sources harboring the amoeba. In exceedingly uncommon instances, even heated tap water or inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water can serve as sources of infection.
It’s noteworthy that ingestion of infected water does not lead to infection.
How common is an infection due to brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
Fortunately, there are only a handful of cases reported annually in the United States, estimated to range from zero to eight. These occurrences are concentrated in the southern states, primarily Florida and Texas, with a majority involving young males.
Interestingly, in recent years, a shift has been observed with cases emerging in northern states during exceptionally hot weather periods. This geographic shift could potentially be linked to the effects of climate change.
Ongoing research has cast doubt on the perceived rarity of Naegleria fowleri infections. Some individuals exhibit antibodies to the amoeba, indicating prior infection and survival. Furthermore, certain cases previously attributed to meningitis have been reclassified as fatalities attributed to the brain-eating amoeba.
A notable enigma is why certain individuals remain uninfected despite sharing the same environment and engaging in similar activities as those who have contracted the amoeba. This question underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing susceptibility to infection and calls for further exploration into the intricacies of this phenomenon.
What are the symptoms of infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
The onset of symptoms for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is rapid and marked by intense severity, encompassing:
- High fever
- Excruciating headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profound shivering
- Meningitis-like symptoms, including a stiff neck and heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Cognitive disorientation
- Comatose state
It’s important to note that despite treatment, the fatality rate surpasses 97%, underscoring the critical nature of this condition and the challenges in managing its progression.
What causes infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
Infection arises when the amoeba Naegleria fowleri infiltrates the brain via the nasal passage. This mode of entry occurs when contaminated water is inhaled. Typically, the amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments, including geothermal sources such as hot springs.
It’s noteworthy that infection can also occur through the inhalation of contaminated dust particles.
Additionally, instances of infection with the brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) have been reported due to individuals using tap water, instead of distilled or sterilized water, to cleanse their nasal passages using devices like a neti pot. This underlines the importance of proper water source selection in activities that involve contact with the nasal cavity.
How long is the incubation period for infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
Symptoms typically manifest around two to 15 days following exposure to the amoeba.
Can I get infected with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) from being around someone who has it?
No documented cases have demonstrated the transmission of the infection from person to person. However, ongoing studies are being conducted to investigate the potential for the infection to spread through tissue or organ donation.
How is infection with brain-eating amoeba diagnosed?
In cases where there is suspicion of brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) infection, healthcare professionals might suggest a spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, to analyze your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the presence of the organism.
Furthermore, a brain biopsy could be advised. In this procedure, a tissue sample is extracted and examined under a microscope to ascertain the potential presence of the amoeba.
How is infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) treated?
The primary treatment approach for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), is the administration of antifungal medication amphotericin B. Some survivors in North America received a combination therapy comprising amphotericin B, rifampin, fluconazole, and miltefosine. Miltefosine is an approved drug for leishmaniasis, a parasitic ailment transmitted by sandflies.
The most promising outcomes, marked by complete recovery in two pediatric cases, were achieved through swift diagnosis and prompt initiation of the recommended medication regimen. Additionally, body cooling to below-normal temperatures was employed to manage brain swelling, further contributing to positive treatment outcomes.
How can I prevent myself from being infected with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
Due to the gravity of the prognosis associated with this condition, prevention becomes a crucial consideration, despite its rarity. Here are key preventive measures to bear in mind:
- Avoid activities like swimming, wading, or engaging in watersports in warm freshwater locales, particularly still waters, without using nose plugs. If Naegleria fowleri presence is confirmed or suspected, refrain from entering the water altogether.
- Refrain from using tap water with a neti pot or similar devices for nasal cleaning. Only utilize distilled or sterilized water. If tap water is your only option, ensure you boil it for one minute, then cool it down. For areas located 6,500 feet above sea level, extend the boiling time to three minutes, followed by cooling.
- Use water filters with “NSF 53,” “NSF 58,” or an “absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller” label to eliminate germs from water.
- Consider using chlorine bleach liquid or tablets to disinfect water intended for cleaning your nose and sinuses. Note that disinfecting water for nasal use necessitates different bleach concentrations compared to water meant for drinking.
- If you experience symptoms like fever or headache after exposure to warm freshwater, promptly inform your healthcare provider about your recent whereabouts.
Remaining vigilant and adopting these preventive steps can contribute to reducing the potential risk of encountering brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) and its associated infection.
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who are infected with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
The prognosis for individuals infected with Naegleria fowleri is exceedingly grim. Despite treatment efforts, the majority of individuals succumb to this condition. In most cases, coma ensues shortly after symptoms and signs manifest, leading to fatality within approximately one to ten days from the onset of symptoms.
When should I see my healthcare provider if I have questions about infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)?
If you experience fever or develop a headache following any activities in warm freshwater bodies or after using tap water for nasal irrigation, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider or visit an emergency room. Timely diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance in cases of infection with brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) to ensure the best possible outcome.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Learning about a condition triggered by a brain-eating amoeba and its potential danger can indeed evoke fear. If you suspect exposure to the amoeba, seek prompt medical assistance. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the extreme rarity of this condition. You can play a role in prevention by using solely distilled or sterilized water for nasal rinsing and by avoiding water sources you suspect might be contaminated, particularly during warm weather.