The free-living amoeba Naegleria floweri, which inhabits warm freshwater habitats, was initially found in Karachi in 2008 for first time in Pakistan.
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a serious and frequently fatal brain infection, is known to be caused by this amoeba. After exposure, symptoms usually appear 24 hours later and can worsen quickly, sometimes even killing the victim in 7 days. Although survival chances are still low even with timely medical intervention, early identification is essential for effective treatment.
Naegleria Floweri Infection: Transmission and Impact
Since Naegleria fowleri grows best in warm, contaminated water, illness is most likely to occur there. Through the nose, this amoeba enters the body and travels over the cribriform plate to the brain, where it severely damages the central nervous system. This can, within 3–7 days of infection, cause brain hemorrhage and, tragically, death. Naegleria fowleri is frequently detected in waters with low salinity and thermal saline baths, highlighting the risk associated with water-related activities such as religious washing.
Detection:
Direct visualization (microscopy)
Antigen detection
Amoeba culture
Environmental detection of water samples
Preventive measure: Use chlorine treated water
Total cases and fatalities reported in Pakistan:
Total cases reported in Pakistan 2008-2024 =159 cases
Total fatalities =24 (6+7+11) 2017-2019
Fatima Khan, Mphil Parasitology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
