Why Can't WBC Attack Naegleria Fowleri?

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In summary: Some light readinghttps://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2010/Katherine_Fero/FeroNaegleriafowleri.htmwhich has a number of other links to follow upand some drugs to look up;Amphotericin B was the standard of treatment. Lately this has been combined with Miltefosine and along with high doses of steroids has resulted in two patients...
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Navin
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I had a question as to why WBC can't attack Naegleria fowleri when it attacks the brain ?
 
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Who says they can't? its a common organism that rarely causes disease but quite a lot of people have antibodies to the organism suggesting exposure is quite common. The brain is what's referred to as immune privileged, because a sever inflammatory response could cause more damage than whatever caused it it is to some extent isolated from the rest of the bodies systems and has its own specialist immune cells. This is a fairly large mobile amoeba which is attracted to neuro-chemicals, it enters the body through the nose and tracks into the brain. Its no great surprise that phagocytes have difficulty containing it, this happens in a lot of infections but we do mount an antibody response that appears to control the amoeba. There may be all sorts of reasons why this antibody response fails in a small number of people, a guess might be the transit time from nose to brain but there are all sorts of possibilities. Apparently around 80% of cases are in males and around 66% in children but this might simply indicate risky behaviour. Its difficult to diagnose and despite having effective drugs few victims survive.
 
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Laroxe said:
Who says they can't? its a common organism that rarely causes disease but quite a lot of people have antibodies to the organism suggesting exposure is quite common. The brain is what's referred to as immune privileged, because a sever inflammatory response could cause more damage than whatever caused it it is to some extent isolated from the rest of the bodies systems and has its own specialist immune cells. This is a fairly large mobile amoeba which is attracted to neuro-chemicals, it enters the body through the nose and tracks into the brain. Its no great surprise that phagocytes have difficulty containing it, this happens in a lot of infections but we do mount an antibody response that appears to control the amoeba. There may be all sorts of reasons why this antibody response fails in a small number of people, a guess might be the transit time from nose to brain but there are all sorts of possibilities. Apparently around 80% of cases are in males and around 66% in children but this might simply indicate risky behaviour. Its difficult to diagnose and despite having effective drugs few victims survive.

So i can safely say that even in the brain ,the anti bodies act against it ?
 
  • #6
Whether safely is the right word is debatable or even if the antibodies act in the brain or prevent the organism reaching the brain but for antibodies to develop it suggests that our immune system will have been exposed to the organism for some time and so the money must be on the infection being present but asymptomatic. Its always difficult to get good information about rare conditions.
This seems to give a good overview.
https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-eating-amoeba#1
 
  • #7
Laroxe said:
Whether safely is the right word is debatable or even if the antibodies act in the brain or prevent the organism reaching the brain but for antibodies to develop it suggests that our immune system will have been exposed to the organism for some time and so the money must be on the infection being present but asymptomatic. Its always difficult to get good information about rare conditions.
This seems to give a good overview.
https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-eating-amoeba#1

I aldredy saw that site but i felt it didnt give like in dept information.Im actually doing a project on Naeglearisis and N Fowleri. I almost finished it but wanted deeper info on it.Like how does the amoeba "feeding scoop " work when it feeds on the brain and how do the drugs actually act on it and stuff

I would be extremely obliged if u could tell me more !
 
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The organism normally feeds on bacteria so its logical to assume that they will engage in phagocytosis it is also suggested that it produces two proteases -- enzymes that dissolve protein, so they liquefy the brain.

Some light reading
https://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2010/Katherine_Fero/FeroNaegleriafowleri.htm

which has a number of other links to follow up

and some drugs to look up;
Amphotericin B was the standard of treatment. Lately this has been combined with Miltefosine and along with high doses of steroids has resulted in two patient recoveries.
 
  • #9
Laroxe said:
The organism normally feeds on bacteria so its logical to assume that they will engage in phagocytosis it is also suggested that it produces two proteases -- enzymes that dissolve protein, so they liquefy the brain.

Some light reading
https://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2010/Katherine_Fero/FeroNaegleriafowleri.htm

which has a number of other links to follow up

and some drugs to look up;
Amphotericin B was the standard of treatment. Lately this has been combined with Miltefosine and along with high doses of steroids has resulted in two patient recoveries.

Thank you so much man ! I really am grateful for this !
The link was beautiful !
More so i completely missed out writing about Amphotericin B.i had just given it a small mention.

Ob the other hand i dedicated a couple of pages on Miltefosin.
By anychance i if you know how Miltefossin acts on N fowleri i would love to know.I have written about the history and uses of miltefossin and about the Leishmania thingie but no where is it mentioned as HOW miltefossin effects N. Fowleri. Like what does the drug do ? Affect the Amoeboid ETC ? Affect the protein synthesis by binding to ribosome ?

If you have any info id love to know
 
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Likes Laroxe

1. Why can't white blood cells (WBC) attack Naegleria fowleri?

White blood cells are a crucial part of our immune system, responsible for defending our bodies against harmful pathogens. However, Naegleria fowleri is a unique and highly virulent parasitic amoeba that is able to evade and resist the attacks of white blood cells. This is due to several factors, including its ability to change its shape and form a protective cyst, as well as producing enzymes that can dissolve and digest white blood cells.

2. Can any type of white blood cell attack Naegleria fowleri?

No, not all types of white blood cells are capable of attacking Naegleria fowleri. While some types of white blood cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are able to engulf and destroy pathogens, they are not effective against Naegleria fowleri due to its unique characteristics and abilities to evade and resist attacks.

3. Can the immune system be trained to attack Naegleria fowleri?

While our immune system is constantly evolving and adapting to new threats, unfortunately, it is not able to be trained specifically to attack Naegleria fowleri. This is because the amoeba is able to rapidly reproduce and change its form, making it difficult for our immune system to develop a specific response against it.

4. Are there any treatments that can boost the immune system's ability to attack Naegleria fowleri?

Currently, there are no specific treatments or medications that can boost the immune system's ability to attack Naegleria fowleri. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to contaminated water sources and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of infection are present.

5. Is there ongoing research to find ways to help the immune system fight against Naegleria fowleri?

Yes, there is ongoing research and studies being conducted to better understand and find ways to help the immune system fight against Naegleria fowleri. This includes investigating the mechanisms of the amoeba's resistance to white blood cells and potential treatments that could boost the immune system's response. However, there is currently no definitive cure or treatment for Naegleria fowleri infection.

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