Naegleria Fowleri

 

 The genus Naegleria is named after the German protozoologist, Kurt Nägler 

There are over 40 species of the genus Naegleria, with Naegleria. fowleri the only known human pathogen.

Naegleria Fowleri: The organism was first recognized in the 1960s in Australia.

• In 1965, unusual fatal meningitis cases were reported in South Australia.
• The causative amoeba was identified by Australian pathologist Malcolm Fowler and scientist Rodney F. Carter.
• The organism was named after Malcolm Fowler, an Australian pathologist at Adelaide Children's Hospital, who was the first author of the original series of case reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naegleria Fowleri

Brain Eating Amoeba 

 

 

 

Main route of transmission (Nasal route → brain)

Steps:

1. Warm freshwater contains Naegleria
2. Water enters nose (swimming/diving)
3. Amoeba attaches to nasal mucosa
4. Travels along olfactory nerve
5. Passes through cribriform plate
6. Reaches brain → severe inflammation

 

Pathway

 
Nose → Olfactory nerve → Cribriform plate → Brain 

 

 

Microscopy And Pathology

 

 

 

 

 

Naegleria Fowleria And India

 

 

 

 

 

Snapshot