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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Published on: June 8, 2017

Under the radar: balamuthia amebic encephalitis.

Frederick L Schuster¹, Shigeo Yagi, Shilpa Gavali

¹California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

|February 25, 2009

Summary

Balamuthia mandrillaris causes amebic encephalitis, often missed in diagnosis. Early detection through specific testing and awareness of elevated IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines can improve patient survival.

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In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus

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Published on: December 2, 2012

Area of Science:

Neurology
Infectious Diseases
Medical Diagnostics

Background:

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a cause of granulomatous amebic encephalitis.
Data from 1999-2008 from the California Encephalitis Project are presented.
This project aimed to identify causes of encephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify cases of Balamuthia encephalitis within the California Encephalitis Project.
To characterize the clinical and laboratory findings of Balamuthia encephalitis.
To raise awareness of this rare but fatal disease.

Main Methods:

Diagnostic testing of patient specimens for Balamuthia species.
Tests included immunofluorescent staining, antibody titers, and PCR for Balamuthia DNA.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8).

Main Results:

Ten cases of Balamuthia encephalitis were identified over 9 years.
Patients presented with neurological symptoms, abnormal neuroimaging, and CSF.
Elevated IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines in CSF distinguished Balamuthia infections.

Conclusions:

Balamuthia encephalitis is underdiagnosed due to lack of clinician familiarity.
Increased awareness and specific diagnostic testing are crucial for earlier diagnosis.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment may improve survival rates for Balamuthia encephalitis.