Naegleria Infection
Naegleria fowleri Brain Infection
It is an infrequent and fatal infection of brain. This type of infection is caused by amoeba which is commonly found in warm, freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs. Usually people get infected with amoeba during swimming and doing other water sports. The disease caused by naegleria infection is known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis also known as PAM and is characterized by brain swelling and tissue destruction.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Sudden and intense headache
- Discharge and congestion of nasal sinus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiffness of neck
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Sleep disturbance
- Imbalance
Causes
This infection is caused by an amoeba named naegleria fowleri amoeba which is present in warm and freshwater lakes around the world usually active during summer months. This amoeba enters the body through nose and travel to the brain through olfactory nerves. This is not a contagious infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. However, CSF ( cerebrospinal fluid ) test through lumber puncture is done to confirm the infection. Some imaging tests are also done like CT scan, MRI.
Treatment
Treatment options include the following:
- Antifungal drugs are prescribed like Amphotericin B, Miltefosine (Impavido).
- Antibiotics are also prescribed sometimes to treat brain swelling.