There are many legal organisms that human beings are unaware of. The one uncommon organism that is creating a sense of fear in the hearts of people is brain-eating amoeba. This infection is becoming very common but people are still not aware of it. This organism is commonly found in warm waters and enters the human body via the nose. It is the deadliest infection which damages the brain tissues and leads to primary amebic meningoencephalitis or PAM.
However, the symptoms of such a situation are very common which is why any preventative actions fail mostly. As suggested by the best brain hospitals in Punjab, it is essential to be aware of this infection and follow all the preventative measures to stay safe from this dreadful micro-organism and infection at an early stage.
Understanding about brain-eating amoeba
Brain-eating amoeba or Naegleria fowleri is known to be found in warm or shallow water bodies. You can usually find them in hot springs, rivers, and sometimes even in dirty garbage. These free-living microorganisms are able to live for long due to no need for any host. However, after this microorganism enters the human body, it can result in PAM. It is a deadly infection which affects the central nervous system.
Brain-eating amoeba: The main causes of it
When contaminated water enters your body via the nose, then this infection can occur. The reason behind, amoeba gets to the brain. This situation can happen during swimming, water skiing, and other water activities. The organism can survive in very warm water. However, it is hard for organisms to live in salt water or pool water full of chlorine. Here are some surviving zones of brain-eating amoeba:
- Warm lakes
- Rock pits
- Warm flowing waters
- Ponds
- Hot springs
- Contaminated swimming pools
- Aquariums
- Water parks
- Soil
- Thermally polluted water
- Splash pads meant for children
Brain-eating amoeba: The common symptoms of it
There are no exclusive symptoms of brain-eating amoeba infection. Here are a few symptoms of PAM:
- Headache
- Coma
- Seizures
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Hallucinations
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Droopy eyelids
- No sense of taste
- Blurred vision, etc.
What can be done to diagnose brain-eating amoeba?
The diagnosis of brain-eating amoeba is simple. A neurologist will suggest getting a brain biopsy done. In this method, a tissue sample is taken. It gets examined using a microscope. This is done to understand whether brain-eating amoeba is present in the brain or not. However, if there are any indications about the presence of the organism, there can be suggestions about spinal tap or lumbar puncture. This is done to ensure that it is present in cerebrospinal fluid or not.
How to treat brain-eating amoeba?
The therapy which is suggested to treat PAM is antifungal amphotericin B. Also, there is a suggestion to use medication which is amphotericin B, fluconazole, miltefosine, etc. which can be effective in getting rid of this infection.
The use of miltefosine can help with treating leishmaniasis which is an infection that is caught via sandflies. However, quick identification as well as treatment of PAM with the help of these medications can aid with brain swelling and other issues.
Brain-eating amoeba: The prevention tips
This is a rare disease that hardly occurs in people. However, due to the dismal prognosis all the right measures should be taken by an individual. The essential prevention points that should be kept in mind for brain-eating amoeba infection are:
- Try to wear nose plugs when you are swimming, wading, or getting along in some water sports, especially during warm freshwater situations. There are chances of brain-eating amoeba present in such waters.
- When you are trying any nasal cleaning device or tool, it is suggested to not use tap water. Rather opt for sterilized water. Otherwise, you can always boil the water, let it cool down, and then use it. Ensure to boil it for three minutes.
- Try to use filters to cleanse the water of microorganisms.
- To clean the sinuses, you can clean the water with the help of chlorine bleach pills. However, keep in mind that bleach required for disinfecting the nose water is different.
- Get in touch with a doctor if you are facing any symptoms of a brain-eating amoeba infection.
Conclusion
Brain-eating amoeba infection can be deadly if it remains undetected or the person is completely unaware of it. The above-mentioned causes, symptoms, and prevention tips related to this infection can allow you to understand it and avoid it to a great extent. However, if you are facing any similar symptoms of brain-eating amoeba infection then it is essential to consult the best neurologist in Ludhiana. Jhawar Neuromaster Hospital offers the best services which can aid in having great health. With us, you can detect and prevent this infection and lead a healthy life.