Kerala’s Public Health Lab Develops Molecular Test Kits for Deadly Amoeba

In a major breakthrough in infectious disease diagnostics, the State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has successfully developed molecular diagnostic test kits to detect five species of free-living amoeba (FLA) known to cause amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but highly fatal brain infection. For the first time, the lab identified Acanthamoeba spp. in a human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample, marking a critical step in early diagnosis and targeted treatment of this life-threatening condition.

Why in News?

The State Public Health Laboratory in Kerala has developed PCR-based molecular tests for five dangerous species of amoeba. For the first time, a confirmatory diag nosis of Acanthamoeba spp. was made in a human sample, enabling prompt and precise treatment.Kerala had earlier depended on national labs like PGI Chandigarh for such confirmation.

What Has Been Achieved?

Development of molecular diagnostic (PCR) test kits to identify.

• Naegleria fowleri
• Acanthamoeba spp.
• Vermamoeba vermiformis
• Balamuthia mandrillaris
• Paravahlkampfia francinae
• These are among the six known pathogenic amoeba species out of 400+ free-living types.

Importance of the Breakthrough

• The first-ever human sample diagnosis of Acanthamoeba spp. was confirmed using the in-house kit.
• Enables early detection, targeted drug therapy, and significantly improves survival chances.

Why It Matters for Kerala

• Frequent reports of amoebic encephalitis prompted the State directive to test all Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) samples for amoebic pathogens.
• Till now, samples had to be sent to labs outside Kerala, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
• The new capability reduces turnaround time and improves treatment precision.

Clinical and Public Health Impact

• Previously, diagnosis was only presumptive based on CSF microscopy, leading to empirical treatment.
• With confirmatory PCR, doctors can optimize drug regimens.
• If Naegleria fowleri is detected, environmental testing of waterbodies becomes essential to issue public warnings.

Expert Insight

• Dr. R. Aravind, Govt. Medical College: “Now we can skip presumptive therapy and begin targeted treatment without delay.”
• Dr. S. Sunija, Director, PH Lab: “A proud moment… we no longer rely on outside labs for confirmation.”