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Kerala Lab Authorized to Test for Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba
17 Nov
Summary
- CWRDM granted permission to test for Naegleria fowleri amoeba
- CWRDM to partner with State Public Health Lab for surveillance
- CWRDM has expertise and facilities to monitor water samples
As of November 17, 2025, the Kozhikode-based Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has received permission from the Kerala State government to test water samples for the presence of the free-living amoeba that causes the deadly brain infection, amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The CWRDM, which functions under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, has been allowed to associate with the State Public Health Lab in Thiruvananthapuram. This partnership aims to strengthen the surveillance and monitoring of Naegleria fowleri and other free-living amoeba in natural water bodies and drinking water sources across the state, subject to adherence to applicable regulatory guidelines.
According to sources, the CWRDM had submitted a proposal seeking this association with the Health department in the context of the recent rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases across Kerala. The center has the expertise and laboratory facilities to carry out regular monitoring and analysis of water samples, operating an accredited Water Analysis Laboratory that tests over 7,500 samples annually using sophisticated equipment. Additionally, the CWRDM campus houses a dedicated National Isotope facility for Hydrology, enabling advanced investigations related to water quality and source tracking.
