The rising cases of brain-eating Amoeba in India have sent shock waves across the nation. Understanding the infection and its transmission can go a long way in preventing its spread.
The Naegleria flowleri, more commonly known as the brain eating amoeba, is a single-celled microorganism that thrives in warm and untreated fresh environments such as warm ponds, lakes, pools, hot springs, and thermally polluted water bodies.
The Naegleria Flowleri infection causes intense brain tissue inflammation. Although rare, its treatment is very challenging and with a high mortality rate.
Unfortunately, the cases of Naegleria fowleri infections are increasing in India. While isolated cases were reported as early as the 1970s, Kerala recorded its first death from the disease in 2016. The number of cases remained relatively low until an alarming spike in cases from 2023 to 25 with a high fatality rate. One of the reason for increasing numbers is also because of early suspicion and better investigations for the same, as the organism in general is very difficult to isolate.
As mentioned, the brain-eating amoeba thrives in warm water bodies. Although the infection affects adults too, reports show it more often in children because they spend more time in water activities that expose them to the amoeba.
The Naegleri fowleri becomes an infection only when the infected water enters through the nostrils and travels through the nasal cavity, along the olfactory nerve to the brain. Ingested water does not cause the infection.
Early signs and symptom can start showing anywhere between 1 day to 12 days after exposure. The infection progresses rapidly, but the symptoms are often neglected because they resemble other common illnesses. Symptoms are similar to any other brain infection, which include:
Without prompt treatment, these conditions can worsen rpidly and can also turn fatal.
Treating brain-eating infection is challenging. Apart from being a rare disease, the infection is often diagnosed only after the symptoms have progressed rapidly. However, aggressive treatment can improve the chances of survival. The mainstay of treatment include anti-microbials to kill amoeba like Amphotericin B, miltefosine, rifampicin etc along with the symptomatic treatment for control of seizures and reducing brain swelling. Patients diagnosed with the infection usually enter the ICU for supportive care and aggressive treatment to control brain swelling, seizures, and high fever.
Although rare, taking preventive steps to avoid the risk of this brain-eating disease is crucial. the disease is more common and severe in children whose immunity is compromised, hence need to be extra cautious.
If you notice any symptoms of the brain-eating infection, immediately visit the best pediatric hospital in Bangalore for appropriate treatment. Kinder Hospitals in Whitefield is one of the leading pediatric hospitals in Bangalore, offering world-class healthcare services. Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit uses the latest technology and equipment to give our little patients the best possible medical attention. We have a team of the top PICU-trained staff and doctors providing intense, supportive care for pediatric patients and their families. Visit Kinder Hospitals Bangalore today for the right medical care.
