Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding the Propagation of Closed Circular Extrachromosomal rDNA Containing Element (CERE) in Naegleria gruberi
06:55

Author Spotlight: Understanding the Propagation of Closed Circular Extrachromosomal rDNA Containing Element (CERE) in Naegleria gruberi

Published on: June 21, 2024

1.0K

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri: an old enemy presenting new challenges

Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1, Naveed Ahmed Khan1

  • 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|August 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis with a >95% fatality rate. Increased awareness of risk factors, especially in developing nations, is crucial due to cultural practices and water storage.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri, a protist pathogen, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
  • PAM has a high fatality rate (>95%) despite medical advancements.
  • Cases are reported globally but underdiagnosed in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the underdiagnosis of Naegleria fowleri infections in developing countries.
  • To discuss risk factors associated with PAM in these regions.
  • To advocate for increased public awareness of PAM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and case analysis.
  • Epidemiological data assessment.
  • Risk factor identification through cultural practice analysis.

Main Results:

  • Naegleria fowleri infections are underreported in developing nations.
  • Cultural practices like ritual ablution and nasal irrigation are potential transmission routes.
  • Water scarcity and storage increase exposure risks.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for enhanced awareness of PAM and its risk factors in developing countries.
  • Public health initiatives should address cultural practices and water safety.
  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology in underreported regions.

More Related Videos

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

2.3K
A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood07:20

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood

Published on: January 9, 2018

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
10
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
52
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
189
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
10
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
17
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
9