Sutherland K. Maciver

Abstract The composition of the gut microbiota has been linked to acute stressors, suggesting that modulation of the gut microbiome is a potential avenue for enhancing human health and performance. The gut microbiome exerts its effects through several metabolites, which induce epigenetic and metabolic changes. Stress is a common occurrence in humans facing challenging environments such as military personnel and astronauts, but is not limited to humans.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) brought about by Naegleria fowleri is a severe infection that often leads to fatality within days, despite treatment [1]. N. fowleri is a highly lethal opportunistic parasite with a mortality rate exceeding 90%, even with treatment. It enters the body through the nose, attaches to epithelial cells, and migrates along the olfactory neuroepithelial route to reach the brain by passing through the porous cribriform plate.

1. Introduction Protozoans, such as the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba, secrete various bioactive proteins that help modulate interactions between the amoeba and other microorganisms [1]. Acanthamoeba produces various antimicrobials, including hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, which are involved in substrate degradation for nutrition [2,3]. Proteases are highly researched proteins in Acanthamoeba since they play a crucial role in pathogenicity.