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Biology and pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri

Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1, Ibne Karim M Ali2, Jennifer R Cope2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.

Acta Tropica
|September 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri causes deadly primary amoebic meningoencephalitis with over 90% mortality. This review covers its biology and pathogenesis, highlighting research needs for this fatal infection.

Area of Science:

  • * Infectious diseases
  • * Neuroparasitology
  • * Microbiology

Background:

  • * Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba and a protist pathogen.
  • * It causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly fatal brain infection.
  • * Despite extensive research, the mortality rate for PAM remains over 90%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To provide an updated review of Naegleria fowleri biology and pathogenesis.
  • * To identify critical research gaps and future directions for combating PAM.

Main Methods:

  • * Comprehensive literature review of Naegleria fowleri research.
  • * Analysis of existing data on amoebic entry, CNS invasion, and host response.
  • * Synthesis of current knowledge on virulence factors and pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • * Naegleria fowleri invades the central nervous system via the nasal pathway.
  • * Infection progresses rapidly, leading to death within days.
  • * The high mortality underscores the limited efficacy of current treatments and diagnostic capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • * A deeper understanding of Naegleria fowleri biology is crucial for developing effective interventions.
  • * Future research should focus on novel therapeutic strategies and early diagnostic markers.
  • * Addressing the knowledge gaps is essential to reduce the lethality of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Keywords:
DiagnosisMuslimsNasal irrigationPathogenic amoebaeTreatment

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