Health officials in Karachi, Pakistan report the first “brain-eating amoeba” death caused by the parasite, Naegleria fowleri, of the year in a 44 year old man.
Health officials said the victim had no history of swimming and, apparently, contracted the infection from piped tap water.
Infections traced back to routine tap water used for ablution at homes and mosques, rather than swimming, highlighting a severe contamination risk in the city’s domestic water supply.
Since 2012, according to health department officials, over 100 cases of Naegleria fowleri have been reported in Karachi.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba which is a single-celled living organism. It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals.
Infections can happen when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM (which destroys brain tissue) and is usually fatal. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare. Most infections occur from exposure to contaminated recreational water. Cases due to the use of neti pots and the practice of ablution have been documented.
Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris