What is primary amebic meningoencephalitis ?
What is primary amebic meningoencephalitis ?
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The genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine is known as Phenylketonuria (PKU). Phenylketonuria (PKU) Cause: It is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which is essential for converting phenylalanine into tyrosine. Effect: WithRead more
The genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine is known as Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Cause: It is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which is essential for converting phenylalanine into tyrosine.
- Effect: Without this enzyme, phenylalanine accumulates in the body, leading to toxic levels that can cause brain damage and intellectual disabilities if not managed.
- Inheritance: PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition.
- Management: It is managed by a strict diet low in phenylalanine, starting in infancy, to prevent the harmful effects of the amino acid buildup.
Newborns are routinely screened for PKU as part of standard neonatal screening programs in many countries.
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Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, usually fatal brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This free-living amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in poorly maintained pools or contaminated water supplieRead more
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, usually fatal brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This free-living amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in poorly maintained pools or contaminated water supplies.
PAM occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming or diving. From there, it travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes (meningoencephalitis). Symptoms usually start within 1–9 days and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and coma. The infection progresses rapidly, often leading to death within days if untreated.
Diagnosis is challenging and typically involves detecting the amoeba in cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue, often confirmed posthumously. Treatment is difficult due to the rapid progression and limited effective drugs, but regimens may include antifungal and antimicrobial agents like amphotericin B, miltefosine, and others, with supportive care. Survival is rare, with only a few documented cases globally.
Prevention focuses on avoiding exposure: using nose clips while swimming in warm freshwater, ensuring proper pool maintenance, and avoiding untreated water for nasal irrigation. The CDC and WHO emphasize that PAM is not contagious and cannot be contracted from drinking contaminated water.
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