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A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
05:33

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

Published on: June 23, 2022

[Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis: a case report]

O Cubero-Menéndez1, D Cubero-Rego

  • 1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Pediatrico Docente William Soler, La Habana, Cuba.

Revista De Neurologia
|March 5, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri is a rare and fatal infection. Diagnosis was only confirmed post-mortem, highlighting challenges in early detection of this severe CNS amoebic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Free-living amoeba infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are globally rare.
  • These infections manifest as acute necrotizing hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis (nearly 100% fatality) or chronic granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.

Observation:

  • A case of fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri in an 8-year-old child is presented.
  • The child had a history of freshwater reservoir immersion 52 hours prior to death.

Findings:

  • Pre-mortem laboratory studies failed to establish a diagnosis.
  • Amoeba trophozoites were identified during the post-mortem examination, confirming the diagnosis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with Naegleria fowleri infections.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for potential therapeutic interventions in CNS amoebic infections.

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