The Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba

In this video, we delve into the heartbreaking story of Jack, a 3-year-old boy who tragically passed away after contracting a rare and deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba. Found in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, this amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal condition. We explore how Jack contracted the disease, the symptoms he experienced, and why this dangerous organism is so difficult to diagnose and treat. We also highlight some interesting advancements in research regarding potential treatments, like nitroxoline. Stick around to learn more about this rare but deadly infection.

This video was made by McMaster University students Ahmed Tahir, Nadine Afshar, Nisha Sriraj and Olivia Wilson in collaboration with the Demystifying Medicine McMaster Program.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for information about your health.

Copyright McMaster University 2025

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References:

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‌Pana, Angela, et al. “Amebic Meningoencephalitis.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430754/.

‌Pervin, Najwa, and Vidya Sundareshan. “Naegleria.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 19 Sept. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535447/.

John, D T, et al. “Sucker-like Structures on the Pathogenic Amoeba Naegleria Fowleri.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 47, no. 1, 1 Jan. 1984, pp. 12–14, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC239603/.

‌Burqi, Ahmed Mujadid Khan, et al. “Early Release - Successful Treatment of Confirmed Naegleria Fowleri Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol. 30, no. 4, Apr. 2024, wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/4/23-0979_article, doi.org/10.3201/eid3004.230979.

‌CDC. “About Naegleria Fowleri Infection.” Naegleria Fowleri Infection, 15 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html.

Eger L, and Morgan Pence. “The Brief Case: A Case of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) after Exposure at a Splash Pad.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology, vol. 61, no. 7, 20 July 2023, pp. e0126922. doi.org/10.1128/jcm.01269-22