In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Kerala’s health sector has successfully treated a 17-year-old boy simultaneously afflicted with amoebic meningoencephalitis and Aspergillus flavus, marking the first known case of survival from this deadly dual infection, announced Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday.

The patient, treated initially at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital for three weeks, was later transferred to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The microbiology lab at Alappuzha identified the amoeba and fungus in the boy’s spinal fluid, enabling prompt treatment per state guidelines. An MRI revealed pus in the brain, prompting the neurosurgery team in Thiruvananthapuram to perform two critical surgeries. “We used five drugs to combat these fatal infections,” said Dr. Aravind, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. “Three weeks post-discharge, the patient is perfectly normal.”

George highlighted the global significance of this case, noting that no prior patient with both infections had survived. “This is the first time such a patient has been brought back to life,” she said, commending the medical teams at both hospitals. She credited treatment protocols established three years ago for enabling this success. Kerala has reported 86 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the past two years, with a mortality rate of 23-24%, significantly lower than the global 99% for such infections.

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Addressing concerns about rising cases, George emphasized early detection, stating, “Post-mortem studies show 11% of unidentified meningitis deaths are amoebic.” Kerala’s proactive measures include chlorination of wells and public awareness campaigns to prevent infections. Currently, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode each report 11 active amoebic meningitis cases. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including PCR testing at the Public Health Lab, have bolstered the state’s response.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and lethal central nervous system infection, is caused by free-living amoebae found in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers. Aspergillus flavus, a common environmental fungus, can also cause severe infections. Kerala’s ability to save this patient underscores its advanced healthcare infrastructure and coordinated efforts across medical and public health sectors.

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