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[NAEGLERIA FOWLERI AMOEBA MENINGITIS - REVIEW AND UPDATE]

Lior Edelman1, Milena Tocut2, Gisele Zandman-Goddard2

  • 1Department of Medicine C, Wolfson Medical Center.

Harefuah
|April 21, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, causes deadly primary meningoencephalitis (PAM) after nasal water aspiration. This thermophilic organism thrives in warm freshwater, posing a risk globally.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri is an amphizoic, thermophilic, flagellate amoeba, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba.
  • This organism thrives in warm freshwater environments and can survive in soil and the human central nervous system.
  • Naegleria fowleri causes primary meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal infection, typically following the aspiration of contaminated freshwater into the nostrils.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of Naegleria fowleri.
  • To highlight the epidemiology and pathology of primary meningoencephalitis (PAM).
  • To discuss the global distribution and risk factors associated with Naegleria fowleri infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on Naegleria fowleri.
  • Analysis of case reports and epidemiological data.
  • Synthesis of information on the organism's biology, transmission, and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

  • Naegleria fowleri infections, though rare, are almost invariably fatal.
  • PAM predominantly affects children and young adults, often linked to recreational water activities.
  • The infection occurs globally, with a notable presence in developing countries and sporadic cases in developed nations.

Conclusions:

  • Naegleria fowleri represents a significant public health threat, particularly in regions with warm climates and accessible freshwater bodies.
  • Increased awareness and preventative measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of PAM.
  • Further research into treatment strategies and environmental surveillance is warranted.

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