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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
State public health lab develops molecular tests to identify deadly amoeba
The State Public Health Laboratory, one of the apex referral laboratories in the State, has developed its own molecular diagnostic test kits to identify five common species of free living amoeba (FLA) which are toxic to humans and which can cause amoebic meningoencephalitis. A highly fatal brain infection, cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis are being reported frequently in Kerala now. 'It was a proud moment for us when we identified Acanthamoeba spp. as the pathogenic organism in one of the acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) samples that we received from the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College on Thursday. It was also the first human sample in which we could identify the organism, after we developed the molecular diagnostic test kits six months ago,' says S. Sunija, Director of the State PH Lab. Early identification of the pathogen and treatment are crucial for saving lives when it comes to amoebic meningoencephalitis. Now that the PH lab has developed its own molecular (PCR) assays for identifying the pathogenic organism in human samples, Kerala no longer needs to depend on prime diagnostic facilities outside the State, such as PGI Chandigarh, for confirmatory diagnosis of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Over 400 species 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 also 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. 'Till now, through the microbiological examination of cerebrospinal fluid samples, we could make only a presumptive diagnosis that it was a trophozoite causing the encephalitis. Naegleria fowleri being the one that causes the most fatal disease, our protocol was to start the patient on the drug cocktail for N. fowleri immediately. But now that the pathogen can be identified and confirmed early, we can optimise the drugs and give targeted treatment to the patient without delay,' says R. Aravind, Head of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. To labs outside the State Ever since the State began reporting cases of amoebic encephalitis, the lack of confirmatory diagnosis for identifying the causative organism had been a huge challenge. Sending the samples to labs outside the State in proper condition and getting a diagnosis was time consuming. It was when cases began to be reported on a fairly regular basis — especially since the State issued a directive that all AES samples be tested for amoebic encephalitis too — that the State PH lab was assigned the task of developing molecular test kits for identifying the trophozoite. 'Free living amoeba is an ubiquitous organism found in the environment and till Thursday we had been testing only environmental samples. This is the first time we could identify Acanthamoeba in one of the patient samples,' Dr. Sunija says. However, testing water samples from the environment becomes important if the organism found in the human samples is Naegleria fowleri. In that case, the waterbody implicated will have to be tested and public warning issued to avoid it.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health department announces a one-health protocol for early detection of Amoebic meningoencephalitis
The Health department has devised a 'one-health' protocol to prevent amoebic meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection with a high mortality rate caused by a single-celled organism that thrives in untreated water, including bathing water bodies. According to Health department statistics, the brain infection had caused eight deaths and 38 cases in 2024. So far this year, the health authorities have reported 12 cases and eight deaths due to Amoebic meningoencephalitis. Those infected were mainly school children frolicking in stagnant and muddied waterbodies during summer when pond water levels receded. However, the government said early detection could save lives, though the death rate for Amoebic meningoencephalitis was 97%, according to WHO statistics. Given its public health vigil, prevention measures, and early detection, the death rate for the disease in Kerala was 25%. The government said the Amoebic meningoencephalitis infections peak during summer when amoebic activity increases as water levels decrease. Routine cleaning Residents should ensure that water tanks are routinely cleaned of sediment and other organic pollutants, and authorities should ensure that amusement park swimming pools and waterbodies are chlorinated. Health Minister Veena George stated that the action plan emphasises disease prevention, early detection, active case surveillance, specialised care, hotspot mapping, and administering the latest drugs and state-of-the-art treatment protocols. Ms. George said the government had instructed hospitals, including those in the private sector, to test patients arriving with fever and other symptoms for the disease. The government has also launched an awareness campaign, especially for children enjoying their summer vacation outings, encouraging them to take pre-emptive steps before dipping in ponds and pools. Amoebic meningoencephalitis has symptoms that are common with other infections. They include severe headache, fever, retching, vomiting, and difficulty with neck movements. Apex body The government has notified the State Public Health Laboratory as the apex body for disease detection. The microbiology departments of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical College Hospitals will assist the State in its disease control effort. The State has roped in the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the Kerala University's Science and Technology department to prevent Amoebic meningoencephalitis. The government has also published an online treatment protocol and ensured the availability of the latest drugs through the State's medical supplies corporation.
