Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis

[Ken Ramos]

Anyone here familiar with this topic? If so, have you done any research relating to the infection and the mortality rates resulting from it. I am curious as to the possibility of this infection becoming more pronounced with the advent of global warming, since the cause of it is a small thermphilic amoeba. PAM (Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis) is usually 100% fatal. However there have been four or maybe five reported cases of the host having survived this often fatal infection. I am also curious as to how many cases there have been which were misdiagnosed due to the infection appearing as a bacterial infection rather than amebic, which most often occurs and is not realized until after autopsy of the infected and then deceased host.
The cause of the infection is the introduction of the amoeba Naegleria fowleri into the nasal cavity during swimming or diving into warm fresh natural waters, where it then travels via the CNS (Central Nervous System) to the brain. Of course there it begins to propogate and cause sever bleeding, destruction of brain cell tissues and of course swelling leading to the death of the host. The amoeba can also thrive in most any warm body of freshwater including poorly treated swimming pools.
In any case I would enjoy hearing what others may have to say on this infection and what light they may have to shed on what I have not or may have already researched. Thanks

 

[Astronuc]

Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis -- North Carolina, 1991
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00016999.htm

Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis --- Georgia, 2002
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5240a4.htm

Emerging Infectious Diseases
Fatal Naegleria fowleri Meningoencephalitis, Italy
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no10/04-0273.htm

CDC also does - Surveillance for Waterborne-Disease Outbreaks
http://www.cdc.gov/search.do?action=search&queryText=Primary+Amebic+Meningoencephalitis+&x=7&y=8

 

[ravenprp]

I am familiar with Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and have done some research on the infection and its mortality rates. It is a rare but extremely fatal infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. As you mentioned, it is usually 100% fatal, but there have been a few reported cases of survival.

I have also read about the possibility of PAM becoming more prevalent with the rise in global temperatures, as the amoeba is thermophilic and thrives in warm water. This is a concerning issue, especially as climate change continues to impact our environment.

In terms of misdiagnosis, I have not come across any specific numbers, but I can imagine that it may be difficult to diagnose PAM as it presents with symptoms similar to bacterial meningitis. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about PAM and its risk factors, particularly for those who engage in activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater.

It is also alarming to know that the amoeba can survive in poorly treated swimming pools, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and sanitation of these facilities.

Thank you for bringing up this topic and highlighting the severity of PAM. It is essential for us to continue researching and finding ways to prevent and treat this deadly infection.