Parasit N. Fowleri Flashcards
Can become parasitic or
survive outside the host
Free living Amoeba
the mode of replication by N. fowleri trophozoite
Promitosis
Naegleria spp. are ________________________
which thrive best in hot springs and other warm
aquatic environments
thermophilic organisms
N. fowleri trophozoites are found in ___________________ and ______ , while flagellated forms are
occasionally found in _____. Cysts are not seen
in _______________
cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF), tissue
CSF
brain tissue
N. fowleri are Motile, by means of __________________
blunt, rounded
pseudopodia
Infective stage of N. fowleri
Trophozoite stage
Diagnostic Stage of N. fowleri
Trophozoite in CSF and Tissue
N. fowleri most common form found in the environment is the
______________________
trophozoite stage.
where does N. fowleri enter the brain once attached in the nasal mucosa ________________
Olfactory Nerves
N. fowleri is the causative agent of a rare but rapidly destructive and fatal
meningoencephalitis termed ________________________________
primary amebic
meningoencephalitis (PAM)
Naegleria trophozoites can be identified by
the presence of _____________________ and
_____________________
blunt, lobose pseudopodia , directional motility
Specimen used for diagnosis of PAM
Diagnosis of PAM is usually suspected in
persons with history of exposure
_________________________ produces deleterious changes in the nucleus and mitochondria of the ameba, decreases
the number of food vacuoles, and increases
the formation of autophagic vacuoles
Amphotericin B, clotrimazole
_________________________ produces deleterious changes in the nucleus and mitochondria of the ameba, decreases
the number of food vacuoles, and increases
the formation of autophagic vacuoles
Amphotericin B
Ameba exposed to ___________________ exhibit decreased
pseudopod formation and form blebs on
the plasma membrane.
amphotericin B
N. fowleri’s specialized feeding structures that help in phagocytosis and ingestion of host cells.
Amoebastome (“food cups”)
Allow the survival and growth of N. fowleri in warm temperatures
Heat Shock Proteins
Infection of N. fowleri can be prevented through _________________ of water at _____, or higher
especially in swimming pools
Chlorination, 1ppm
N. fowleri’s way to Disrupt host cell membranes, aiding invasion and tissue destruction.
Phospholipases
Allows N. folweri to Degrade proteins in host tissues, allowing the amoeba to penetrate the brain.
Proteases
Degrades extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., collagen, laminin, fibronectin), facilitating the amoeba’s invasion of the brain.
Helps in immune evasion by degrading host immune molecules.
Assists in nutrient acquisition by breaking down host proteins.
Cathepsin B
Forms pores in host cell membranes, leading to cell lysis and death.
Contributes to the amoeba’s ability to destroy neurons and glial cells, a major factor in primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Naegleriapore B
Staining N. fowleri with Wright or Giemsa stains or Fluorescent stains – Appeared as
____________ nuclei with ___________ cytoplasm
small pink, sky blue
