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Source- This post on FATF Recommendations for India is based on the article “India should increase court system capacity, reduce pending trials: FATF” published in The Hindu on 20th September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, cases were seen of Primary Amebic Meningitis in Kerala.
About Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
1. About: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but often fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living ameba found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.
2. How it occur: PAM occurs when Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, where it causes severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue. This condition is sometimes referred to as the “brain-eating ameba.”
3. Causes: The infection is caused by the inhalation of water containing Naegleria fowleri amebae, typically during activities like swimming, diving, or bathing in contaminated water. Once inside the nasal passages, the amebae move along the olfactory nerve to the brain, where they multiply and trigger a severe immune response.
4. Symptoms: PAM symptoms typically appear 1-9 days after exposure to contaminated water. Early signs, resembling bacterial meningitis, include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. As the infection worsens, neurological symptoms develop. PAM progresses rapidly, leading to death within 5-12 days if untreated.
5. Diagnosis: Diagnostic methods include lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), detecting Naegleria fowleri in CSF or brain tissue via microscopy or PCR, and brain imaging (MRI/CT) to spot inflammation.
6. Treatment: PAM is hard to treat due to its fast progression. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial. Options include the antifungal amphotericin B, Miltefosine, and therapeutic hypothermia to reduce brain swelling.
7. Prevention: Preventive measures include avoiding warm, stagnant freshwater, using nose clips while swimming, and avoiding untreated water for nasal rinsing.
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