Naegleria fowleri is a brain-eating amoeba that causes meningioencephalitis after exposure to which environment?

Prepare for the NBME Microbiology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Naegleria fowleri is a brain-eating amoeba that causes meningioencephalitis after exposure to which environment?

Explanation:
Naegleria fowleri causes disease when water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose, allowing it to reach the brain via the olfactory nerves. This makes exposure to warm freshwater (lakes, rivers, hot springs) the classic risk factor. The organism is not typically contracted from saltwater, soil, or boiled water—boiling would kill it. So freshwater exposure best explains how this infection occurs.

Naegleria fowleri causes disease when water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose, allowing it to reach the brain via the olfactory nerves. This makes exposure to warm freshwater (lakes, rivers, hot springs) the classic risk factor. The organism is not typically contracted from saltwater, soil, or boiled water—boiling would kill it. So freshwater exposure best explains how this infection occurs.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy