Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
12:07
A Thin-skull Window Technique for Chronic Two-photon In vivo Imaging of Murine Microglia in Models of Neuroinflammation
Published on: September 19, 2010
Acanthamoebae presenting as primary meningoencephalitis in AIDS.
Mukesh Kumar1, Ragini Jain, K Tripathi
1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|March 1, 2008
Summary
Acanthamoebae meningoencephalitis is a rare diagnosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. This case highlights the importance of considering Acanthamoebae in AIDS meningoencephalitis differential diagnoses, especially in tropical regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Meningoencephalitis, inflammation of the brain and meninges, presents a diagnostic challenge in immunocompromised individuals.
- Differential diagnosis of meningoencephalitis in AIDS patients typically includes tuberculosis and cryptococcus infections, particularly in tropical areas.
Observation:
- A rare case of Acanthamoebae meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in a 24-year-old male with AIDS.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis using bright field microscopy and culture.
- Culture was performed on non-nutrient agar inoculated with Escherichia coli.
Findings:
- Acanthamoebae species were identified as the causative agent of meningoencephalitis.
- The diagnostic methods employed were effective in identifying the pathogen in CSF.
- The case underscores the potential for Acanthamoebae to cause severe neurological disease in AIDS patients.
Implications:
- Acanthamoebae should be included in the differential diagnosis of meningoencephalitis in AIDS patients.
- This consideration is particularly relevant in tropical regions where Acanthamoebae infections may be more prevalent.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Acanthamoebae meningoencephalitis is crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...