Brain-eating Amoeba & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What are brain-eating amoebae?

Naegleria fowlery, also known as brain-eating amoeba, is a species of the genus Naegleria, belonging to the phylum Percolozoa. Amoeba is a single-celled organism, a species that was discovered in 1965. Although first identified in Australia, this amoeba is believed to have evolved in the United States.

There is only one Naegleria species that infects humans: Naegleria fowleri.

Amoeba can cause an infectious disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is a condition in which amoeba infects the brain and lining of the brain.

How common is brain-eating amoeba?

Although the amoeba Naegleria fowleri is quite common, it rarely causes brain disease. Naegleria fowleri disease is known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This condition occurs from 0 to 8 times per year, almost always from July to September. Many studies show that many people have antibodies to N. fowleri. This shows that they have been infected with this amoeba but the immune system is fighting it.

This condition can occur in patients of any age, but can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of brain-eating amoeba?

Naegleria fowleri causes a disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This disease causes inflammation of the brain and destruction of brain tissue.

Generally starting 2 to 15 days after exposure to amoeba, signs and symptoms of naegleria infection can include:

• Changes in the sense of smell or taste
• Fever
• Serious and sudden headaches
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dazed
• Losing balance
• Drowsiness
• Convulsions
• Hallucinations

Signs and symptoms can develop quickly. Generally symptoms cause death within a week.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical attention immediately if you have fever, headache, neck stiffness and vomiting suddenly, especially if you have recently been from warm, fresh water.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes brain-eating amoeba?

Naegleria fowleri it is common in lakes in the southern states during the summer, but recently the infection has also occurred in the northern states. This means recreational water users must be aware of the low risk of infection when entering the water.

Naegleria infection is caused by amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which is commonly found in fresh water around the world, especially in the summer months. Amoeba is also sometimes found on the ground. Amoeba enters the body through the nose, through contaminated water or dust, and travels to the brain via nerves that carry the sense of smell.

Only a small percentage of the millions of people exposed to Naegleria fowleri get sick. Why some people are infected and some are not infected is unknown.

Amoeba is not spread from person to person or by drinking contaminated water. The cleaned and disinfected swimming pool does not contain the amoebic naegleria.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for brain-eating amoeba?

Millions of people are exposed to amoeba which causes infection with naegleria every year, but only a few people get this disease.

There are many risk factors for brain-eating amoeba, namely:

• Swim in fresh water

Most of the people who became sick swam in freshwater lakes in the last 2 weeks.

• Heat wave

Amoeba thrives in hot or warm water.

• Water

Children and young adults are the age group most likely to become infected, possibly because they tend to be in water longer and are more active.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is brain-eating amoeba diagnosed?

The diagnosis of this disease can include:

• Imaging tests

Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show swelling and bleeding in the brain.

• CT scan

This procedure combines X-rays taken from various directions into cross-sectional images.

• MRI

An MRI machine uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce very detailed images of soft tissue, such as the brain.

• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

Amoeba naegleria can be seen under a microscope in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Spinal fluid is collected by inserting a needle between the vertebrae of the lower back. This test also measures the cerebral spinal fluid pressure and looks at inflammatory cells.

What are the treatments for brain-eating amoeba?

• Few people survive naegleria infection, even with treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival.
• The main treatment for naegleria infection is the antifungal drug, amphotericin B - usually injected into a vein (intravenously) or in the area around the spinal cord to kill amoeba.
• An investigational drug called miltefosine (Impavido) is available for emergency treatment of naegleric infection through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This drug, when used with other medications and aggressive treatment of brain swelling, can show hope of survival.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat brain-eating amoebae?

Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with brain-eating amoeba:

• Do not swim or jump into warm freshwater lakes or rivers.
• Hold or cover your nose or use a nose clip when jumping or diving into warm fresh water.
• Avoid touching the sediment when swimming in hot, shallow fresh water.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.