New lab diagnoses amoebic brain fever, a first in state
T'puram: In a significant development, the state confirmed its first case of amoebic meningoencephalitis through the newly established molecular lab in the state. Health Minister Veena George announced that the diagnosis was made as part of a dedicated effort to detect amoebic brain fever, a rare but often fatal condition.
State public health lab (SPHL) earlier set up a PCR lab capable of detecting five types of amoebae known to cause brain fever in humans — Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba sp., Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Paravahlkampfia francinae. The first confirmed detection was of Acanthamoeba, which was successfully identified and verified through this new facility. Previously, such cases were confirmed at PGI Chandigarh.
With in-state confirmation now possible, the minister said it would greatly aid both treatment and research efforts.
The minister further said that state has been implementing model interventions in the prevention of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Globally, the disease has a mortality rate of 97%, but Kerala reduced this to 23% through systematic efforts and timely, effective treatment. This success was achieved through structured actions and prompt care.
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State also updated its action plan based on the 'One Health' approach to enhance prevention strategies against amoebae. A comprehensive action plan has been prepared to manage the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease. All suspected cases of brain fever in state are now directed to undergo tests for amoebic meningoencephalitis.
In addition to SPHL, the microbiology departments of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode medical colleges will be developed as specialized centres for diagnosing the disease.
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