Naegleria fowleri is a type of free-living amoeba that can be found in untreated hot waters, such as rivers and community pools, for example, and that can enter the body through the nose and directly reach the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes symptoms such as loss of appetite, headache, vomiting, fever and hallucinations.
Infection with Naegleria fowleri is rare and its diagnosis and treatment is difficult, so in most cases, the diagnosis of this infection is made post-mortem . Despite this, it is known that the parasite is sensitive to Amphotericin B and, therefore, if there is a suspicion of infection by Naegleria fowleri, the doctor indicates the start of treatment with this medication.
Main symptoms
Because of this amoeba's ability to destroy brain tissue, it is popularly known as the brain-eating parasite. Symptoms of infection appear about 7 days after contact with the parasite and can include:
- Loss of appetite; Headache; Vomiting; Fever; Hallucinations; Blurry vision; Changes in mental status.
When symptoms start 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. In order to differentiate the two diseases, the doctor, in addition to assessing the person's clinical history and habits, requests that meningitis tests be carried out so that the differential diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be started.
How diagnosis and treatment are made
As it is a rare infection, the diagnosis of Naegleria fowleri is difficult, and there are not many resources available for identification. Specific tests for the identification of this parasite are found mainly in the United States, as most cases are identified there due to the climate. Thus, most cases of Naegleria fowleri infection are diagnosed after the patient's death.
As it is a rare disease and the diagnosis only happens after death, there is no specific treatment for this parasite, however medications such as Miltefosina and Amphotericin B are effective in combating this amoeba, and may be recommended by the doctor in case of suspicion.
How to get this parasite
The amoeba infections Naegleria fowleri occur when the parasite enters the body through the nose, and therefore, it is more common to appear in people who practice water sports such as diving, skiing or surfing for example, especially if these sports are done in contaminated waters.
In these cases, what happens is that water is forced into the nose and the parasite is able to reach the brain more easily. This parasite is considered thermotolerant, that is, it can withstand temperature variations and because of that, it can survive in human tissues.
How to avoid infection
In most cases, these parasites can be found in hot water regions such as:
- Lakes, ponds, rivers or mud pools with hot water; Untreated pools or spas; Untreated water wells or untreated municipal waters; Hot springs or geothermal water sources; Aquariums.
Although dangerous, this parasite can be easily eliminated from swimming pools or spas with suitable water treatments.
This is considered a rare infection and to avoid catching this infection, you should avoid bathing in untreated water. In addition, this is an infection that is not contagious and is therefore not spread from person to person.
