Naegleria meningitis: a rare survival

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Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

R Jain1, S Prabhakar, M Modi

  • 1Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh - 160012, India.

Neurology India
|February 11, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri meningitis, a rare and fatal infection, was successfully treated in a unique case. Early diagnosis via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) wet mount and prompt treatment improved survival chances.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Acute amebic meningoencephalitis, caused by Naegleria fowleri, is a rare and typically fatal infection.
  • Survival rates are extremely low, with only seven reported cases to date.

Observation:

  • A case of Naegleria meningitis was diagnosed using wet mount cytology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • The patient received a treatment regimen including amphotericin B, rifampicin, and ornidazole.

Findings:

  • Complete recovery was achieved in this patient with Naegleria meningitis.
  • Wet mount cytology of CSF is a valuable diagnostic tool for Naegleria when bacterial meningitis tests are negative.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for improved survival in Naegleria fowleri infections.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment with amphotericin B and rifampicin are crucial for better patient outcomes.

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