Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Transfection of a Molecular Clone of Naegleria gruberi rDNA into N. gruberi Trophozoites
06:55

Transfection of a Molecular Clone of Naegleria gruberi rDNA into N. gruberi Trophozoites

Published on: June 21, 2024

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri

V Kaushal1, D K Chhina, Shobha Ram

  • 1Department of Microbiology; Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC & H), Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|October 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, was diagnosed in an Indian man. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to the infection, highlighting the aggressive nature of this waterborne pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and fatal infection of the central nervous system.
  • Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba responsible for PAM, typically acquired through nasal rinsing or swimming in warm freshwater.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old Indian male presented with symptoms consistent with PAM, including headache, fever, and neurological deficits.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed Naegleria fowleri trophozoites, confirmed by microscopy and culture.
  • Brain CT scan showed a soft tissue mass with sphenoid sinus erosion, indicative of invasive amoebic infection.

Findings:

  • The patient received a combination of amphotericin-B, rifampicin, and ceftazidime, but his condition rapidly deteriorated.
  • The case highlights the diagnostic challenges and aggressive progression of Naegleria fowleri infections.
  • A review of previous Indian PAM cases indicated a mean age of 13.06 years and a male predominance (7:1 ratio).

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in PAM.
  • Public health awareness regarding the risks of waterborne amoebic infections in recreational waters is essential.
  • Further research into novel therapeutic strategies for Naegleria fowleri infections is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal 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,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis 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...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral 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...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...