Naegleria fowleri is a type of free-living ammea that can be found in untreated warm waters, such as rivers and community pools, and 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 rare and its diagnosis and treatment are difficult, so in most cases the diagnosis of this infection is made post-mortem, however the parasite is known to be sensitive to anfoterin B and, therefore, in the case of suspected infection with Naegleria fowleri, the doctor indicates the start of treatment with this medicine.
- Because of this ammea’s ability to destroy brain tissue.
- It is popularly known as the brain-eating parasite.
- Symptoms of infection appear approximately 7 days after contact with the parasite and may include:.
When symptoms begin to appear, they can be easily confused with those of bacterial meningitis, but when the infection is at a more advanced stage it can cause seizures or even coma.To differentiate between the two diseases, the doctor, in addition to assessing the person’s medical history and habits, requests that meningitis tests be performed in order to make a differential diagnosis and be able to start the appropriate treatment.
As it is a rare infection, the diagnosis of Naegleria fowleri is difficult because there are not many resources for its identification, the specific tests for the identification of this parasite are found mainly in the United States, with the majority of cases identified by the weather. , most cases of Naegleria fowleri infection are diagnosed after the death of the patient.
As this is a rare disease and diagnosis is only made after death, there is no specific treatment for this parasite, however drugs such as miltephosin and amphotericin B are effective in combating this parasite.and may be recommended by the doctor if suspected.
Naegleria fowleri amean infections occur when the parasite enters the body through the nose, making it more common to appear in people who practice water sports such as diving, skiing or surfing for example, especially if these sports are practiced in contaminated waters.
In these cases, what happens is that water enters through the nose and the parasite can more easily reach 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:
Although dangerous, this parasite can be easily removed from pools or spas with appropriate water treatments.
This is considered a rare infection and to avoid catching it should be avoided bathing in untreated water, in addition, it is an infection that is not contagious and therefore is not transmitted from person to person.