Naegleria fowleri (Primary amebic meningoencephalitis)

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that can be pathogenic, causing a fulminant brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is often called "brain-eating amoeba" because it can destroy brain tissue and is usually fatal. This microorganism is typically found in bodies of warm freshwaters, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and hot springs, and may gain access to the central nervous system through the nose and then the cribriform plate.