The causative agent Naegleria fowleri has been linked to which of the following diseases?

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that is known to cause a severe and often fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, often during recreational activities like swimming in warm freshwater such as lakes or hot springs.

The disease progresses rapidly, leading to severe inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues, which can result in symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck, seizures, and altered mental status. Unfortunately, the prognosis for PAM is extremely poor, with a high mortality rate, making awareness of this pathogen essential, especially in regions with suitable environmental conditions for its growth.

The other options listed pertain to diseases caused by different pathogens and do not involve Naegleria fowleri. Bacterial meningitis is primarily caused by various bacterial infections, cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, and diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Thus, recognizing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis as the disease associated with Naegleria fowleri is critical in understanding the potential health risks associated with this amoeba.