| Description: | Magnified 1180X, this 1973 H&E-stained photomicrograph revealed the presence of Naegleria gruberi, free-living amoebae in a human brain tissue specimen, in a case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Free-living amoebae belonging to the genera Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria, are important causes of disease in humans and animals. What is Naegleria? Naegleria is an amoeba commonly found in the environment, in water and soil. Only one species of Naegleria has been found to infect humans, Naegleria fowleri. How does infection with Naegleria occur? Infection with Naegleria occurs when the ameba enters the body through the nose while the person is swimming underwater or diving. The ameba then travels to the brain and spinal cord.
What are the signs and symptoms of Naegleria infection?Infection with Naegleria causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain inflammation, which leads to the destruction of brain tissue. Initial signs and symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. As the ameba causes more extensive destruction of brain tissue this leads to confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures, hallucinations. The disease progresses rapidly and infection usually results in death within 3 to 7 days. |
