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Naegleria infection is a rare and often fatal brain infection. An amoeba often found in warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs causes Naegleria infection. The amoeba is typically encountered while swimming or participating in other aquatic sports.
The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, enters the body through the nose and goes to the brain, where it causes significant brain damage. The majority of persons with naegleria infection die within a week of developing symptoms.
Every year, millions of people are exposed to the amoeba that causes naegleria infection, yet only a small percentage of them become ill. Officials are baffled as to why some persons have naegleria infection while others do not.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NAEGLERIA INFECTION?
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis, generally known as PAM, is caused by Naegleria infection. PAM is a brain infection that causes swelling and tissue loss in the brain.
The symptoms of naegleria infection usually appear two to 15 days after being exposed to the amoeba. The following are common initial indications and symptoms:
- Fever
- Acute, severe headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Congestion or discharge from the nose
- Smell or taste changes
As the condition progresses, the following signs and symptoms may appear:
- A stiff neck
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Sleepiness
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
WHAT CAUSES A NAEGLERIA INFECTION?
The Naegleria fowleri amoeba causes Naegleria infection, which is most commonly found in bodies of warm, fresh water around the world, especially during the summer months. The amoeba can also be found in dirt. The amoeba enters your body through your nose, where it is contaminated by water, mud, or dust, and travels to your brain via the neurons that carry your sense of smell.
Only a small percentage of the millions of people who are exposed to Naegleria fowleri become unwell as a result of it. It is unknown why some persons become infected after being exposed while others do not.
The amoeba does not spread from one person to the next. In addition, you cannot become ill by drinking contaminated water. The naegleria amoeba is not found in salt water, such as ocean or sea water, or in properly cleaned and sanitized swimming pools.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR A NAEGLERIA INFECTION?
Every year, millions of people are exposed to the amoeba that causes naegleria infection, yet only a few people become unwell as a result. In the United States, 34 illnesses were documented between 2010 and 2019.
Some of the things that may enhance your risk of naegleria infection are as follows:
- Swimming in freshwater: The majority of those who fall unwell have gone swimming in a freshwater lake during the last two weeks.
- Heat waves: Warm or hot water is ideal for the amoeba. Infections are more common in the summer and in southern states, but they can also occur in northern states.
- Age: Children and young adults are the most vulnerable age groups, presumably because they stay in the water longer and are more active in the water.
- Nasal irrigation or cleansing: Infections have occurred in people who used contaminated tap water to irrigate their sinuses or cleanse their nose during religious practices on a very rare occasion. Do not use water straight from the tap to guarantee that your water is safe for sinus rinsing or ceremonial cleansing. Instead, use boiled or distilled water.
HOW IS NAEGLERIA DIAGNOSED?
Infection with the naegleria amoeba is usually verified by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test, which examines the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
A spinal tap is performed by a doctor to obtain a sample of CSF (lumbar puncture). A needle is placed between two vertebrae in the lower back during this surgery. A little amount of CSF is extracted and submitted to a lab to be analyzed under a microscope to see if the naegleria amoeba is present. A spinal tap can also be done to check for inflammatory cells and assess cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Imaging tests
To detect swelling and bleeding within the brain, a doctor may conduct imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
CT scan: This process combines X-ray pictures from various angles to create comprehensive cross-sectional images.
MRI: An MRI machine creates extraordinarily detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, by using radio waves and a strong magnetic field.
HOW IS A NAEGLERIA INFECTION TREATED?
Even with treatment, only a small percentage of people survive naegleria infection. The importance of early detection and treatment for survival cannot be overstated.
The recommended treatment for naegleria infection is a mix of medications, including:
- Amphotericin B: an antifungal medicine that is frequently injected into a vein (intravenously) or into the area around the spinal cord to kill the amoebas.
- Miltefosine (Impavido): an investigational medicine that is often used to treat breast cancer and leishmaniasis but has shown potential in laboratory and animal experiments against the naegleria amoeba It has also been used to treat infections caused by other forms of amoebas with success.
- Other antifungal medications.
- Antibiotics.
In addition to these medications, your doctor may suggest additional medications or therapy choices to manage or reduce brain swelling.
HOW CAN A NAEGLERIA INFECTION BE PREVENTED?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following precautions may lower your risk of naegleria infection:
- Warm freshwater lakes and rivers should not be swum or jumped into.
- When jumping or diving into warm bodies of fresh water, keep your nostrils closed or use nose clips.
- While swimming in shallow, warm freshwater, avoid disturbing the sediment.