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Virulent Naegleria fowleri in indoor swimming pool
Abstract:
Naegleria fowleri was isolated from water during a hygienic inspection of a swimming pool in December 1977. This swimming pool was identified as a source of the infectious agent in the years 1962-1965, when a large outbreak of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) occurred. First two strains of N. fowleri, pathogenic for white mice after intracerebral and intranasal inoculation, were isolated from water of outlet troughs, additional strains were then isolated from various places; particularly from a cavity in the damaged wall of the pool. The incubation temperature did not inhibit a simultaneous growth of amoebae of the genera Acanthamoeba, Flabellula, Hartmannella and Vahlkampfia in the primocultures. Epidemiological investigations did not reveal any new case of PAME in relation with the occurrence of pathogenic N. fowleri in the swimming pool.
Insights
Naegleria fowleri, a cause of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME), was found in a swimming pool linked to a past outbreak. Despite its presence, no new PAME cases were identified during the inspection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A swimming pool previously linked to a primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) outbreak (1962-1965) was inspected.
- Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) is an infectious agent causing PAME.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of N. fowleri in the swimming pool water.
- To determine if the identified N. fowleri strains were pathogenic.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of N. fowleri from swimming pool water samples.
- Pathogenicity testing in white mice via intracerebral and intranasal inoculation.
- Culturing of amoebae from various genera alongside N. fowleri.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic strains of N. fowleri were isolated from outlet troughs and a damaged wall cavity.
- Simultaneous growth of other amoebae genera (Acanthamoeba, Flabellula, Hartmannella, Vahlkampfia) was observed.
- Epidemiological follow-up did not reveal any new PAME cases associated with the pool's N. fowleri presence.
Conclusions:
- The swimming pool remained a potential source of pathogenic N. fowleri.
- Despite the presence of the pathogen, no new PAME cases were linked to the pool during the study period.
- The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring of recreational water sources for Naegleria fowleri.