I have read that Naegleria fowleri is a ubiquitous free-living ameba. I found out that is the etiologic agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Although I know Naegleria fowleri rarely causes disease, I would like to hear more about this creature. Can you tell me all you think I might find interesting about it. I would also like to hear if Naegleria fowleri causes disease, what happens to patient?
The earliest known case of Naegleria fowleri occurred in a patient from Virginia. However, this case was not reported until 1968 when during a retrospective review of autopsies. The first published report of Naegleria fowleri causing CNS disease was reported in Australia in 1965. In this initial report, the authors suggested the etiologic amoebae probably belonged to the genus Acanthamoeba. However, subsequent investigation shows these cases were most likely due to Naegleria fowleri. It is important because diagnosis can be difficult and PAM usually is rapidly fatal, so it should be monitored carefully. You have to know that Naegleria fowleri produces a diffuse hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis associated with purulent meningitis. The cortical gray matter is the most severely involved area when disease because of this ameba occurs. Because of severe edema of the brain, pressures are elevated, and uncal or cerebellar herniation can occur, which could be dangerous. Apart from the damage to the CNS, infection with Naegleria fowleri is also associated with a neutrophilic myocarditis, but the clinical significance of this myocarditis is unknown.