Naegleria fowleri, popularly known as fresh fruit ameba, is a type of free-living ameba found in warm untreated waters, such as rivers and community pools, for example, that can enter the body through the nose and reach directly into the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes symptoms such as loss of appetite, headache , vomiting, fever and hallucinations.
Naegleria fowleri infection is unusual; Its diagnosis and treatment are complicated, so most of the time the diagnosis of this infection is made at autopsy, despite this, it is known that the parasite is susceptible to amphotericin B and, therefore, if the infection By Naegleria fowleri, the doctor may indicate the start of treatment with the drug.
Signs and symptoms of infection due to onset 7 days after contact with the parasite. Puden includes:
When symptoms appear, this infection can be easily confused with bacterial meningitis, however, as the infection progresses, can cause seizures and even a coma, your doctor should evaluate a person’s medical history and habits, as well as perform tests to determine if meningitis exists, make a differential diagnosis, and be able to indicate appropriate treatment.
As it is a rare infection, the diagnosis of Naegleria fowleri is complicated because not many resources are available to identify it, the specific problems with the identification of this parasite are mainly found in the United States, since most cases occur there due to weather conditions. .
In this way, a large proportion of cases of Naegleria fowleri infection are diagnosed after the patient’s death; However, in the specific treatment of the disease, drugs such as amphotericin B and miltephosine are effective in treating it. ameba, and might be indicated in case of suspicion.
Naegleria fowleri ameba infection occurs when this parasite enters the body through the nose, so it is more common in people who practice water sports, such as jumping, skating; especially if these sports are held in polluted waters.
In these cases, water is introduced into the nose and parasitic water more easily into the brain, this parasite is considered thermotolerant, that is, it can withstand temperature variations and therefore can survive in human tissues.
In most cases, these parasites can be found in hot water areas such as:
Despite the danger it poses, this parasite can easily eliminate pool spas, thanks to proper water treatment.
To avoid getting this infection, bathing in untreated water should be avoided, however, it is an infection that is not transmitted from person to person.