Amoebic meningoencephalitis: IUCBR to develop home test kit to detect pathogens

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mahatma Gandhi University’s Inter-University Centre for Biomedical Research and Super-Speciality Hospital has begun work on developing a kit that will allow people to detect disease-causing amoebas in water sources from their own homes. Early detection of harmful amoebas at the household level can help ensure water safety and reduce health risks. The initiative aims to connect laboratory research with public health, reflecting IUCBR’s commitment to scientific innovation, public health protection, and translational research. More details about the home-use water testing kit will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, IUCBR has launched a special water-testing facility to detect pathogens responsible for amoebic meningoencephalitis. The move comes as waterborne amoebic brain infections pose a growing threat to public health. The facility is designed to identify dangerous pathogens, including Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species, and Balamuthia mandrillaris, which are known to cause the disease.

The initiative is being led by Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.T. Aravindakumar, IUCBR Director Dr Radhakrishnan E.K., and scientists Dr Goutam Chandra and Dr Rajesh A. Shenoy. Researchers Nishad Keethadath, Anand Krishnan, Sakeena Azmi, Neethu P., and Ashwathi S. are also heading the project.