Naegleria fowleri typically enters the body through the nose when contaminated water is forcefully inhaled. This can happen during activities like swimming, diving, or using a neti pot for nasal irrigation. Once inside the nasal passages, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain.
Amoebic infections of the brain, particularly those caused by Naegleria fowleri, are rare but highly fatal conditions that require public awareness and understanding. Naegleria fowleri, often dubbed the "brain-eating amoeba," is a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and even poorly maintained swimming pools. This organism poses a significant health risk, especially during the hot summer months when people are more likely to engage in water-related activities.
Naegleria fowleri typically enters the body through the nose when contaminated water is forcefully inhaled. This can happen during activities like swimming, diving, or using a neti pot for nasal irrigation. Once inside the nasal passages, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain.
This journey from the nose to the brain is relatively short but incredibly perilous. Dr. Shivananda Pai, Neurology, KMC Hospital, Mangalore shares hoe brain-eating amoeba enters the brain.
The Path of Infection Nasal Inhalation: When contaminated water enters the nose, the amoeba attaches to the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Olfactory Nerve: The amoeba then migrates a.
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