Kerala Health dept. denies delay in diagnosing and treating amoebic meningoencephalitis
In a statement here on Wednesday, the Health department said that the microbiology lab at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital had the facility to check cerebrospinal fluid samples and make the presumptive diagnosis that it was a trophozoite causing the encephalitis and treatment is initiated as soon as this happens.
The samples are sent to the State Public Health Lab only for confirmatory diagnosis and for identifying the amoeba species responsible for the infection and in no way it delays treatment initiation, it said.
However, when testing for the presence of amoeba in water samples, often repeat tests and culture tests have to be done, which could take time.
Only 5 labs in country
Only five laboratories in the country have the facilities for molecular diagnosis (PCR) of amoebic encephalitis and most of these labs have only facilities to identify three amoeba species that cause infections in humans.
Since June, the State Public Health Laboratory has had molecular diagnostic facilities to identify five common species of free living amoeba which are toxic to humans and which can cause amoebic meningoencephalitis. Hence the State no longer depends on diagnostic facilities outside the State, such as PGI Chandigarh, for confirmatory diagnosis of amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Only 6 pathogenic
Though there are over 400 species of free living amoeba in the environment, only six have been documented to be pathogenic to humans. The State PH lab is the only lab which has the ability to identify five of these toxic organisms—Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Paravahlkampfia francinae. The State has already initiated steps to develop confirmatory molecular diagnostic facilities for amoebic encephalitis in the Kozhikode lab also, the statement said.
After amoebic meningoencephalitis cases began to be reported on a fairly regular basis, the Health department had issued a directive that all acute encephalitis syndrome samples be tested for amoebic encephalitis too. Which was the reason more cases of amoebic encephalitis are being diagnosed and treated in the State, significantly bringing down the mortality rate of the disease.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
11-year-old tests positive for rare amoebic infection
Kozhikode: Amid the growing concerns over rising cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala , a 11-year-old girl from Chelari in Malappuram tested positive for the rare brain infection. Meanwhile, the death of a 67-year-old woman from Vengara in Malappuram on Aug 9 is also suspected to have been caused by the disease. With the latest case, the number of patients under treatment at Kozhikode Medical College has risen to three, the others being a three-month-old infant from Omassery and a 40-year-old man from Annassery. Earlier, a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery had succumbed to the disease on Aug 14. Authorities said the 11-year-old girl was admitted to the medical college on Tuesday with high fever and tests conducted at the microbiology lab confirmed amoebic encephalitis infection. Superintendent of the institute of maternal and child Health at the medical college, Dr Arun Preet said that the condition of the child was stable and treatment, as per the approved guidelines, has started. Meanwhile, health department has begun steps to identify the water source from which she could have contracted the infection. It was found that she had bathed in a local stream near her home at Padat Alungal and used a swimming pool under Kozhikode corporation limits on July 28. "We have collected water samples from the local stream. She developed fever on Jul 7 and sought treatment at Tenhipalam family health centre and later at a private hospital. She was shifted to the medical college on Tuesday," said Tenhipalam health inspector Sreejith K M. Authorities put up warning boards asking people not to bathe in the stream where the girl had taken a dip. Also, the panchayat secretary issued a directive urging people not to bathe in public waterbodies. He added that a fever survey was done in 120 homes in the area. According to integrated disease surveillance programme figures, six suspected amoebic meningoencephalitis cases and two suspected deaths were reported in Kerala this month. Since the beginning of 2025, Kerala has recorded 20 suspected cases and six suspected deaths. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is mostly linked to bathing or swimming in waters containing the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which lives in warm and shallow lakes and rivers. It is considered a free-living organism because it doesn't need a host to live. The infection occurs when the infected water goes into the nose and the amoeba then moves to the brain where it destroys brain tissue. In very rare cases, it can be caused by amoeba strains like Balamuthia mandrillaris which can get into your body through a wound or through dust. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala Health dept. denies delay in diagnosing and treating amoebic meningoencephalitis
The Health department has brushed aside speculations that there is inordinate delay in diagnosing amoebic meningoencephalitis in the State as samples are being sent to the State Public Health Lab. In a statement here on Wednesday, the Health department said that the microbiology lab at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital had the facility to check cerebrospinal fluid samples and make the presumptive diagnosis that it was a trophozoite causing the encephalitis and treatment is initiated as soon as this happens. The samples are sent to the State Public Health Lab only for confirmatory diagnosis and for identifying the amoeba species responsible for the infection and in no way it delays treatment initiation, it said. However, when testing for the presence of amoeba in water samples, often repeat tests and culture tests have to be done, which could take time. Only 5 labs in country Only five laboratories in the country have the facilities for molecular diagnosis (PCR) of amoebic encephalitis and most of these labs have only facilities to identify three amoeba species that cause infections in humans. Since June, the State Public Health Laboratory has had molecular diagnostic facilities to identify five common species of free living amoeba which are toxic to humans and which can cause amoebic meningoencephalitis. Hence the State no longer depends on diagnostic facilities outside the State, such as PGI Chandigarh, for confirmatory diagnosis of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Only 6 pathogenic Though there are over 400 species of free living amoeba in the environment, only six have been documented to be pathogenic to humans. The State PH lab is the only lab which has the ability to identify five of these toxic organisms—Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Paravahlkampfia francinae. The State has already initiated steps to develop confirmatory molecular diagnostic facilities for amoebic encephalitis in the Kozhikode lab also, the statement said. After amoebic meningoencephalitis cases began to be reported on a fairly regular basis, the Health department had issued a directive that all acute encephalitis syndrome samples be tested for amoebic encephalitis too. Which was the reason more cases of amoebic encephalitis are being diagnosed and treated in the State, significantly bringing down the mortality rate of the disease.
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, Microalgae and more (Week 124)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. 2. There are no effective treatments for the disease yet. 3. It is a liver infection. 4. It is a communicable disease. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Three cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been reported in Kerala in recent days, leading to the death of a nine-year-old and infecting a three-month-old baby. PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also called 'brain-eating amoeba'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The first case of PAM in India was reported in 1971, and the first case in Kerala was reported in 2016. From 2016 to 2023, the state had only eight cases. Last year, Kerala had 36 cases and nine deaths. PAM is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba or single-celled living organism, is the cause of PAM. It is found worldwide in warm, fresh soil and water, and it infects humans when it enters the body through the nose. It grows well at temperatures as high as 115°F (46°C), and it can endure brief exposure to warm temperatures. — Warm freshwater environments including lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational areas with little or no chlorination are home to amoeba. — As previously said, experts are still unable to find any viable remedies for the illness. Doctors currently treat it using a mix of medications, such as dexamethasone, amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, and miltefosine. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — People cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is also non-communicable. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. Statement 2: As the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — Microalgae are primarily found in freshwater and marine ecosystems. — Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. According to the researchers, as the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. They can remove a variety of pollutants, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, and other toxins, all while producing important biomass. This methodology provides a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCOs), consider the following statements: 1. OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space to understand the characteristics of climate change. 2. The satellite not only measures atmospheric CO2, it can also locate its sources and sinks. 3. The data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests and coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere play in the absorption of CO2. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Trump administration has reportedly asked the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare to shut down two major satellites that monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and crop health. — OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space in order to better understand the characteristics of climate change. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The first mission, called OCO, of the series failed soon after launch in February 2009, as the launch vehicle's 'fairing', the nose cone that protects the payload, did not separate during the ascent. The extra weight of the fairing prevented the satellite from reaching its orbit. — In July 2014, OCO-2, a replacement satellite, was launched. It was constructed with the original OCO goal of minimising the effects on time, cost, and performance in mind. — The satellite can identify the sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2 in addition to measuring it. The mission also measures the 'glow' that plants produce during photosynthesis to follow crops and crop-growing seasons. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — To further improve the measurement of atmospheric CO2, a third mission, OCO-3, was sent to the ISS in 2019. After OCO-2 was assembled, the surplus parts were used to build OCO-3. — However, data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests – also known as taiga, the coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere – play in the absorption of CO2. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The 'vitrification process' is related to: (a) Management of radioactive wastes (b) Conversion of biomass into biofuel (c) Preservation of biological tissues at low temperature (d) Extraction of metals from ores Explanation — Radioactive waste is produced at many stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the manufacture and use of radionuclides for a variety of societal uses. The various types of radioactive waste are generated by activities such as mining and processing uranium ore, manufacturing nuclear fuel, generating power in nuclear reactors, processing spent nuclear fuel, managing radioactive waste, producing and using radionuclides for various industrial and medical applications, conducting research with radioactive materials, and so on. — India is one of the few countries to have mastered the technology of vitrification. BARC has developed the technology for vitrifying HLW over the years. India is unique in that it has vitrification plants in operation in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam. — The vitrification process at our current Trombay plant is mainly a batch operation that involves heating and fusing pre-concentrated waste with glass-forming additives in an induction-heated metallic meltter. — In vitrification, glass-forming ingredients are combined with radioactive waste and heated until they melt. After cooling to create a stable glass, the molten mixture immobilises the radionuclides and lowers the possibility of environmental leakage. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the Regenerative Braking System (RBS) in trains, consider the following statements: 1. When regenerative braking is employed, the kinetic energy of the train is released as heat. 2. It is more efficient than a loco haul train. 3. The Vande Bharat Express trains have the advanced Regenerative Braking System. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — A standard electric train braking system employs dynamic braking, in which the train's kinetic energy is released as waste, primarily in the form of heat. When regenerative braking is used, the current in the electric motors is reversed, which slows the train. At the same time, the electro motors generate electricity, which is then returned to the power distribution system. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Regenerative Braking System is more efficient than a loco haul train. Regenerative braking systems reuse kinetic energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — This generated electricity can be utilised to power additional trains in the network or to offset power demands from other loads, such as station lighting. — The Vande Bharat Express provides several superior amenities that will provide passengers an aircraft-like travel experience. Vande Bharat Trains' safety measures, such as the Advanced Regenerative Braking System, contribute to their green footprint. Furthermore, it can save up to 30% on electrical consumption. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Source: Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 124) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 123) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
