World’s first survivor: Kerala doctors create history by saving student infected with dual case of amoebic and fungal brain infections

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 17-year-old boy who was in critical condition due to amoebic meningoencephalitis and Aspergillus flavus fungal brain infection has returned to life. The student, a native of Kollam, Sooranad, was saved by the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Minister Veena George said at a press conference that it is the first time in the world that a person infected with two rare brain infections has survived.

The student, who was undergoing treatment in a critical condition for three months, was discharged from the hospital in perfect health. He developed amoebic meningoencephalitis after bathing in a pond. He was then admitted to Alappuzha Medical College after losing consciousness and experiencing weakness on his left side. The presence of amoeba was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The weakness and loss of consciousness resolved with the start of treatment. However, his vision blurred and pus formed due to increased pressure on the brain. He was then transferred to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

Two brain surgeries

MRI scanning revealed pus in the brain. Following this, the neurosurgery department performed an emergency surgery. After the initial treatment, the disease worsened, so surgery was performed again. The presence of the Aspergillus flavus fungus was found when the removed pus was examined. The disease was cured after one and a half months of intensive treatment. The surgeries were led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, Superintendent of the Medical College and neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons Dr. Raj S. Chandran, Dr. Jyotish LP, and Dr. Rajakutty also participated.