Brain eating amoeba; disease has changed a lot compared to previous years, alert issued

KOZHIKODE: Health experts said caution is needed in the wake of rising incidents of amoebic encephalitis. Experts said the disease has changed a lot from what was seen until two years ago. Until a few years ago, primary amebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri amoebae was seen. However, subacute meningoencephalitis, which is the beginning of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, is now widespread.

Experts also said that it is caused by amoebae such as Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia. While bathing in stagnant polluted water, the Naegleria fowleri amoebae directly reached the brain through the sieve-like cribriform plate of the nose, causing the disease. However, it is estimated that amoebae such as Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia are transmitted through inhalation of water droplets and contact with contaminated water sources, which then enter the bloodstream through wounds on the skin and reach the brain through the bloodstream.

The reason for the increased presence of amoebae in water sources has not yet been found. If further studies are not carried out and the cause is not found, the spread of the disease will increase and lead to a major crisis. The primary thing that can be done is to protect water sources from contamination. The presence of such amoebae is also seen more in water with high levels of coliform bacteria.