Lakshadweep woman out of danger after treatment for new amoebic brain infection variant, says hospital

A Lakshadweep woman who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital for a new form of amoebic meningoencephalitis is now out of danger, doctors confirmed on Monday (November 3, 2025). The infection was identified as Granulomatous Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (GAM), marking the region’s first reported case caused by the new variant Acanthamoeba, which differs from the more commonly seen Naegleria species.

The patient, who works in Edappally, had been admitted three weeks ago with a severe headache, vomiting, and an eye movement disorder. Initial tests for meningitis were inconclusive, but a subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed an infection caused by the Acanthamoeba variant, the hospital said in a release.

The patient has shown significant improvement and is currently in a stable condition.

“The subtype Acanthamoeba is less dangerous compared to the commonly reported Naegleria. However, early diagnosis and prompt intervention are necessary,” said Dr. Sandeep Padmanabhan, a senior consultant attending to the patient.