Naegleria Infection and Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis - Medtick
Medtick

Naegleria Infection and Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis

What is it?

A rare short term, all of a sudden and/or severe onset and/or rapidly fatal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and the brain causing brain swelling and brain pressure.

  • Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis develops following several days  (two to six days, on average approximately five days) of exposure to the contaminated water fresh or brackish water (lakes, rivers, ponds, hot springs, thermally polluted streams and rivers,  not seawater) and/or contaminated soil.
  • Infections and deaths related to PAM have also resulted from exposure to contaminated water from backyard water slides, artificial white-water rafting, and water skiing.
  • Other source of infection is the use of contaminated water for religious/cultural nasal ablutions and sinus-cleansing nasal irrigation and/or poorly chlorinated tap water can be unsafe if it is contaminated by the amoeba.

Medscape

  • The bacteria is heat resistant up to temperatures as high as 114.4 °F (45.8 °C) and enters via the nasal passages.
  • Infections tends to occur in the summer season[4], when the water and/or soils are warm.
  • It can typically causes death within 1-2 weeks (6- 17 days) after admittance to the hospital.
  • For those who do survive, most have some residual physical or cognitive impairment.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis–Arizona, Florida, and Texas, 2007. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2008 May 30. 57(21):573-7. [Medline].

Cause

  • Bacteria:  Ameba  Naegleria fowleri,  Paravahlkampfia francinae,  
    • Found in contaminated warm water and/or soils.
    • Diving or swimming contaminated warm contaminated water, bacteria then enters nasal passages.
    • Exposed to contaminated soils and then entering the nasal passages via touching.

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F)  or over up to 40°C (104°F ) and/or chills and sweats?
  • Sudden-onset headache (usually front of head and/or both side of head- temple region)?
  • Change of behaviour, irritated, anxiety and/or depression (low mood)?
  • Excessive sleeping (drowsy, floppy, listless, not responding) or irritated (doesn’t like being handled)?
  • Hallucinations?
  • Photophobia- sensitive to light (later in the course of illness)?
  • Alteration in taste (ageusia) or smell (parosmia)?
  • Stiff neck?
  • Nausea and/or vomiting?
  • Positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs (see above images)?
  • Bed-wetting?
  • Encephalitis symptoms?
  • Seizures?
  • Rapid onset of coma?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

  • Memory loss and/or decreased concentration
  • Long term tiredness
  • Seizures

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Naegleria Infection and Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

© Medtick - 2024. All Rights Reserved.