Naegleria fowleri or Brain-eating amoeba

Context: South Korea reported its first case of infection from Naegleria fowleri or “brain-eating amoeba.

About Naegleria fowleri:

• Naegleria is a free-living amoeba (a single-celled living organism).
• It is so small that it can only be seen with a microscope.
• It is commonly found in warm fresh water (such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil.
• Only one species of Naegleria infects people: Naegleria fowleri.
• The organism best grows in high temperatures up to 46°C and sometimes can survive at even higher temperatures.
• In very rare instances, people have gotten Naegleria fowleri infections from recreational water that didn’t have enough chlorine in it, such as pools, splash pads, or surf parks.
• There is no evidence that Naegleria fowleri can spread through water vapor or aerosol droplets (such as shower mist or vapor from a humidifier).
• People cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water.
• Treatment: At present, doctors treat it with a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Question

Q.1) Consider the following:

1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium? (2021)

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct?  (2016)

Viruses can infect

1. bacteria
2. fungi
3. plants

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3