Lab Study Finds Marine Compound Kills Amoeba

Researchers at the University of California San Diego say rutamycin B, a compound isolated from marine bacteria, killed multiple strains of the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri in laboratory tests. The compound reached full potency in about four hours, compared with roughly 16 hours for the current standard treatment, and was substantially more toxic to the amoeba than to human cells. Tests also suggest it could be combined with existing treatment while reducing the amount of rutamycin B needed. The findings offer a potential new avenue against primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare infection that is fatal in more than 97% of cases, but further research is needed to establish safety and effectiveness in people.