Naegleriasis (also known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis; PAM) is an almost invariably fatal infection of the brain by the free-living unicellular eukaryote Naegleria fowleri. Symptoms are meningitis-like and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, a stiff neck, confusion, hallucinations and seizures. Symptoms progress rapidly over around five days, and death usually results within one to two weeks of symptoms.N. fowleri is typically found in warm bodies of fresh water, such as ponds, lakes, rivers and hot springs. It is also found in an amoeboid or temporary flagellate stage in soil, poorly maintained municipal water supplies, water heaters, near warm-water discharges of industrial plants and in poorly chlorinated or unchlorinated swimming pools. There is no evidence of it living in salt water. As the disease is rare, it is often not considered during diagnosis.Although infection occurs very rarely, it almost inevitably results in death. Of the 450 or so naegleriasis cases in the past 60 years, only seven have survived, for a case fatality rate of 98.5%. Signs and symptoms
Onset of symptoms begins one to nine days following exposure (with an average of five). Initial symptoms include changes in taste and smell, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, and a stiff neck. Secondary symptoms are also meningitis-like including confusion, hallucinations, lack of attention, ataxia, cramp and seizures. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly over three to seven days, with death usually occurring anywhere from seven to fourteen days later, although it can take longer.
Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir (EFV/3TC/TDF), sold under the brand name Symfi among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It combines efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil. As of 2019, it is listed by the World Health Organization as an alternative first line option to dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir. It is taken by mouth.Side effects can include joint pain, sleepiness, headaches, depression, trouble sleeping, and itchiness. Severe side effects may include depression, psychosis, or osteonecrosis. In those with a history of epilepsy, it may increase the frequency of seizures. Greater care should also be taken in those with kidney problems. Its use during pregnancy appears to be unsafe.It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. The combination received tentative approval in the United States in 2014, and was granted approval in February 2018. Its availability and importance is supported by Medecins Sans Frontieres. It is available as a generic medication. References
External links
"Efavirenz". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Lamivudine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Tenofovir disoproxil". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.