Naegleria is a
genus of
protozoa. The genus was named after French
zoologist Mathieu Naegler.
Naegleria is a microscopic
amoeba that can cause a very rare, but severe, infection of the brain. The amoeba is commonly found in warm
freshwater (for example, lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Only one
species,
Naegleria fowleri infects
humans.