AMOEBIC BRAIN INFECTION: SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY
NEWS: Kerala
issues guidelines to manage amoebic brain infection
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Primary Amoebic
Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
Cause
- Pathogen: Naegleria fowleri (brain-eating
amoeba).
- Environment: Found in freshwater, lakes,
rivers (not seawater).
- Entry Point: Nasal channels, leading to brain
tissue destruction.
Occurrence
- Seasonality: More common during warmer
months.
- Exposure: History of swimming,
diving, bathing, or playing in warm, stagnant freshwater 1-9 days prior.
Symptoms
- Early
Signs:
Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting.
Mortality
- Rate: Greater than 97% mortality
rate.
Treatment
- Approach: Optimal treatment
uncertain.
- Drugs: Should include an
amebicidal drug(s) with good in vitro activity and blood-brain barrier
penetration.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-issues-technical-guidelines-for-diagnosis-management-of-amoebic-meningoencephalitis/article68428939.ece