Causes and risk factors
Naegleria Fowleri is thermophilic [heat loving] amoeba. The amoeba Naegleria Fowleri usually lives in warm freshwater and soil. The organism breeds in lakes, rivers, hot springs, warm water discharge from industrial plants, swimming pools, water heaters Infection of humans occurs when these organisms enter the nostrils through contaminated water while swimming etc. The organisms then travel to the brain and cause PAM.
Clinical presentation
Symptoms develop a few days after swimming in contaminated water and the patient deteriorates rapidly. Patient presents with fever, severe frontal headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, altered mental status, hallucinations, seizures, and coma.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. CSF examination is recommended. Antigen testing, Brain tissue biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
The only treatment is with anti fungal medication injected intravenously which kills the amoebae. This disease has a very high mortality rate of about 95%. Prevention is possible only by avoiding swimming in fresh water reservoirs such as rivers, lakes etc.
