The Dreaded Brain-Eating Amoeba: What You Need To Know

in healthcare •  4 months ago  (edited)

Introduction

The term "brain-eating amoeba" refers to a real and serious threat: This parasite has been detected as Naegleria fowleri. But which, in fact, may provoke a very severe disease of the brain, for which there are few clinically distinctive symptoms.

There are certain facts about this disease or parasite, the signs that it shows in individuals, the effects of this disease or parasite, and how it can be prevented especially by swimmers or anyone using fresh water or untreated water.

What is Naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is a thermophilic free-living amoeba found in clear, fresh water such as lakes, rivers, hot water springs, and so on. It grows best at a temperature of 77- 115⁰ F/25-46⁰C, while the organism is dwelling in the soil or water sediments. However, the same amoeba that is safe for consumption through the mouth will be lethal, should the affected water be drawn into the lungs through the nose.

Naegleria fowleri is from the phylum Percolozoa; these organisms have somewhat flexibility in their opposed feeding; in that way, they are mutable. The amoeba has three stages in its life cycle, which will include the cyst stage, the trophozoite stage, and finally the flagellated stage. Trophozoite can be considered to be the most pathogenic stage in the life cycle of the parasite; digestion and absorption also take place at this stage, and bacteria and other tissues of humans are ingested by the amoeba.

In what ways does the organism Naegleria fowleri enter the human organism?

Specifically, the infection is mainly considered to enter through the nasal passages. When contaminated water gets directly to the human’s nasal passage, Naegleria fowleri has the ability to pass through the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing a deadly disease referred to as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This infection impacts the brain, and others are unaware that this disease is typically progressive.

Infection ordinarily occurs in warm, fresh water activities such as swimming, diving, or water skiing. It also happens, especially when some people use tap water that has germs for nasal rinses or irrigations. Usually, it enters the brain by passing through the blood-brain barrier through the olfactory mucose in the nose, travels along the olfactory nerves through the openings of the brain, penetrates the brain through the nerves, attaches to the tissue, and begins to multiply and feed on the brain cells.

A visual representation of the different developmental stages of a human embryo from conception to implantation

Symptoms of PAM
Diagnosis and treatment

Case Studies

Prevention Tips

  1. Avoid Warm Freshwater:
  2. Use Nose Clips:
  3. Avoid stirring up Sediment:
  4. Use Safe Water for Nasal Rinses:
  5. Be Informed:

Public health and awareness

Myths and facts

The Future of Naegleria Fowleri Research

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