Is Balamuthia mandrillaris a worldwide public health concern?

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living amoeba that can cause a rare and often fatal disease called Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE). While BAE is a severe condition, Balamuthia mandrillaris is not generally considered a widespread public health concern on a global scale due to its rarity. The amoeba is found in soil and dust and can enter the body through skin wounds or by being inhaled into the lungs. Infection typically occurs sporadically, and it is not well understood why some people get infected while others do not.

Although cases have been reported from various parts of the world, including the United States, South America, Asia, and Australia, the incidence of Balamuthia infection is quite low when compared to other infectious diseases. Due to its rare occurrence, it does not attract the same level of public health attention as more common infectious agents such as influenza viruses or malaria-causing plasmodium.

That said, because Balamuthia mandrillaris can cause severe disease and has a high mortality rate, it is of concern to health professionals, particularly in the fields of neurology and infectious diseases. Public health efforts are focused on raising awareness among healthcare providers and enhancing diagnostic capabilities to identify and treat infections promptly.