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Youngest survivor of naegleria meningitis

Dinesh Yadav1, Satinder Aneja, Renu Dutta

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) is a rare, fatal infection. This case study details the youngest survivor of Naegleria meningitis, highlighting a novel treatment approach and long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) is a rare and almost universally fatal infection caused by free-living amebae.
  • Naegleria species are the most common causative agents of PAME, leading to severe central nervous system inflammation.
  • Survival rates for PAME are extremely low, with limited treatment options and significant neurological sequelae.

Observation:

  • A 25-day-old infant presented with symptoms of partially treated meningitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed motile amebae consistent with Naegleria, confirmed by culture.
  • The infant required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to obstructive hydrocephalus.

Findings:

  • The infant received a 4-week course of Amphotericin B, rifampicin, and fluconazole.
  • This treatment regimen, combined with surgical intervention, resulted in survival.
  • At 8 months follow-up, the child survived but exhibited neurological sequelae.

Implications:

  • This case represents the youngest reported survivor of Naegleria meningitis.
  • The successful treatment highlights potential therapeutic strategies for PAME.
  • Further research into early diagnosis and effective treatments for PAME is warranted to improve patient outcomes.

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