Emerging therapies against Naegleria fowleri

Introduction: Naegleria fowleri is a free-living protist pathogen. Given the opportunity, it can produce infection of the central nervous system. It is distressing that the brain-eating amoebae, Naegleria fowleri remains one of the lethal parasites resulting almost always in death, despite advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy and supportive care. Areas covered: The overall aim is to present a timely review of our current understanding of emerging therapies and priorities. By searching bibliographic databases (PubMed) for the available peer-reviewed research literature, herein, we discuss current advances, challenges and opportunities pertinent in the development of therapeutic interventions. Expert opinion: The prospect of exploring repurposed drugs in combination with nanotechnology and a theranostic approach to concurrently achieve diagnosis and drug delivery will offer promise in the rational development of effective therapies to counter N. folweri-associated fatal brain infections.