Biology and pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri

Acta Trop. 2016 Dec:164:375-394. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.009. Epub 2016 Sep 9.

Abstract

Naegleria fowleri is a protist pathogen that can cause lethal brain infection. Despite decades of research, the mortality rate related with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis owing to N. fowleri remains more than 90%. The amoebae pass through the nose to enter the central nervous system killing the host within days, making it one of the deadliest opportunistic parasites. Accordingly, we present an up to date review of the biology and pathogenesis of N. fowleri and discuss needs for future research against this fatal infection.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Muslims; Nasal irrigation; Pathogenic amoebae; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Naegleria fowleri*