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Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris in an immunocompetent girl

David A Stidd1, Brandon Root, Martin E Weinand

  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA. dstidd@email.arizona.edu

World Neurosurgery
|November 29, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris, is a rare but deadly infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes in this devastating neurological disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Balamuthia mandrillaris is a cause of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), a rare and severe infection.
  • GAE symptoms are nonspecific and can progress rapidly once the central nervous system is involved.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial due to limited effective treatments and high mortality.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy, immunocompetent 2-year-old female patient developed GAE secondary to B. mandrillaris.
  • The patient ultimately succumbed to the infection, highlighting its devastating nature.

Findings:

  • Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis is an increasingly reported condition in medical literature.
  • Neuroimaging may reveal single or multiple brain lesions with surrounding edema.

Implications:

  • GAE should be considered in patients presenting with atypical encephalitis.
  • Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for prompt GAE identification and management.

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