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Acanthameba meningitis with successful outcome

Ajit Saxena1, Sumit Mittal, Purbi Burman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Fortis Hospital, Sita Ram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|November 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of subacute meningitis caused by Acanthamoeba in an immunocompetent child was successfully treated. The 9-month treatment regimen included Ketoconazole, Rifampicin, and Cotrimoxazole.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Subacute meningitis can have diverse etiologies.
  • Acanthamoeba infections are rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old immunocompetent female presented with subacute meningitis.
  • The causative agent was identified as Acanthamoeba.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of Acanthamoeba meningitis was achieved.
  • A combination therapy including Ketoconazole, Rifampicin, and Cotrimoxazole was administered for nine months.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Acanthamoeba as a potential cause of meningitis in immunocompetent hosts.
  • Effective treatment strategies for rare Acanthamoeba infections can be developed.
  • Further research into Acanthamoeba meningitis in pediatric populations is warranted.

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