Brain eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri): symptoms, causes, treatment | What are the chances of survival

The term “Brain eating amoeba” might sound like a horror movie or fictional story but the term refers to a real-life deadly organism called Naegleria fowleri.

More info about brain eating amoeba

This organism is typically found in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or any other warm and shallow water body. It can also be found in soil. It usually enters through your nose to infect the brain.

Unlike viruses, it lives freely in water so it doesn’t need a host to live. This organism invades your brain and can cause severe infection so it’s also called Brain eating Amoeba.

What are your chances of survival after being infected?

People who come into contact with this amoeba may contract a life-threatening condition known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This infection targets the central nervous system and is typically fatal. The fatality rate of the disease is 97% even with the treatment.

How does it infect the brain?

Commonly, when you are swimming or diving in the infected water. There is a high chance that the water will enter your nose. And once the amoeba enters the nasal passages, it travels to the brain via the olfactory nerve.

One good thing is that you cannot be infected if contaminated water enters through your mouth because then the amoeba can’t travel to your brain.

Symptoms to notice

In typical cases, the symptoms start to appear within 1 to 9 days of exposure to infected water. The initial indications include:

• Severe headache: Often described as the worst headache ever experienced.
• Fever: High fever is common.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are frequent in the early stages.
• Stiff neck: This is a typical symptom of meningitis.
• Loss of balance: Difficulty in walking or standing.
• Confusion: Altered mental status and confusion.
• Seizures: Seizures can occur as the infection progresses.

More severe symptoms are:

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not present.
• Coma: In advanced stages, the infection can lead to a coma.
• It is important to be mindful of symptoms resembling those of meningitis, such as a stiff neck and heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia).

The first thing to keep in mind is that even if you show the symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are infected by the Brain Eating amoeba . Individuals showing even mild symptoms must seek proper medical attention and maybe get tested for the disease.

Major causes

Brain Eating amoeba  thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as:

• Lakes and rivers: Especially those with higher temperatures.
• Hot springs: Natural hot water sources.
• Warm water discharge from industrial plants: These can provide suitable conditions for the amoeba.
• Poorly maintained swimming pools: Particularly those without adequate chlorine levels.
• Soil: In rare cases, the amoeba can be found in so.

When water infected by Naegleria fowleri enters your nose, the infection takes place after this amoeba gets to your brain through the nasal passage. Furthermore, you can’t get infected by a nearby infected person.

Treatment

Recent advancements in the treatment of Brain Eating amoeba infection have shown promise, although treating the infection is challenging due to its rapid progression and the difficulty in early diagnosis. Individuals need to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they may have been exposed to contaminated water

• Antifungal and antiparasitic medications: Drugs like amphotericin B, miltefosine, and fluconazole have been used with some success.
• Therapeutic hypothermia: Lowering the body temperature to reduce brain swelling.
• Supportive care: Intensive care support, including mechanical ventilation, to manage symptoms and complications.

Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are critical for survival

Prevention

Preventing Brain Eating amoeba involves reducing exposure to contaminated water. Key preventive measures include:

• Avoiding warm freshwater activities: Especially during high-temperature periods.
• Using nose clips: When engaging in activities in warm freshwater, such as swimming or diving, to prevent water from entering the nose.
• Avoid disturbing sediment: When swimming in shallow, warm freshwater areas, avoid disturbing the bottom sediment where the amoeba might reside.
• Ensuring pool cleanliness: It is important to check the swimming pool and maintain adequate chlorine levels regularly.

If you show symptoms, tell your healthcare professional about your daily activities and habits.