Published on: 7/23/2025
What is Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and severe brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, usually found in warm freshwater. It often leads to rapid and severe brain inflammation, and unfortunately, it is usually fatal.
Explanation
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is an infection of the brain caused by a tiny organism called Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba is typically found in warm freshwater environments like lakes and hot springs. People can become infected when contaminated water enters the nose, often when swimming or diving in such waters.
How it Affects the Body
Once inside the body, Naegleria fowleri travels up the nose to the brain, where it causes severe inflammation. This leads to symptoms like headache, fever, nausea, and a stiff neck, which can progress quickly to confusion, seizures, and even death.
Challenges in Treatment
PAM is extremely rare but very dangerous, with most cases resulting in death. The disease progresses rapidly, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Currently, there are no standard treatments, and healthcare providers often use a combination of drugs to try to combat the infection.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of infection, avoid swimming in warm freshwater during hot weather, and try to keep your head above water or use nose clips to prevent water from entering the nose.
(References)
- Hall AD, Kumar JE, Golba CE, Luckett KM, & Bryant WK. (2024). a review of Naegleria fowleri and analysis of successfully .... Parasitology research, 38182931.
- Hannisch W, & Hallagan LF. (1997). Primary amebic meningoencephalitis: a review of the .... Wilderness & environmental medicine, 11990164.
- Cope JR, & Ali IK. (2016). Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis: What Have We .... Current infectious disease reports, 27614893.
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