Brain-eating Amoebae Infection: Challenges and Opportunities in Chemotherapy

Mohammad    Ridwane    Mungroo; Ayaz       Anwar; Naveed    Ahmed    Khan; Ruqaiyyah       Siddiqui
doi:10.2174/1389557519666190313161854
Abstract

Pathogenic free-living amoeba are known to cause a devastating infection of the central nervous system and are often referred to as “brain-eating amoebae”. The mortality rate of more than 90% and free-living nature of these amoebae is a cause for concern. It is distressing that the mortality rate has remained the same over the past few decades, highlighting the lack of interest by the pharmaceutical industry. With the threat of global warming and increased outdoor activities of public, there is a need for renewed interest in identifying potential anti-amoebic compounds for successful prognosis. Here, we discuss the available chemotherapeutic options and opportunities for potential strategies in the treatment and diagnosis of these life-threatening infections.
Keywords: Brain-eating amoebae, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, survival, in vitro, drugs.
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Graphical Abstract

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DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557519666190313161854	Print ISSN 1389-5575
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher	Online ISSN 1875-5607
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry

Brain-eating Amoebae Infection: Challenges and Opportunities in Chemotherapy

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