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A rare case of survival from primary amebic meningoencephalitis

Parshotam Lal Gautam1, Shruti Sharma, Sandeep Puri

  • 1Intensivist, Critical Care Division, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine : Peer-Reviewed, Official Publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine
|May 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare CNS infection by Naegleria fowleri, was diagnosed via CSF examination. Prompt treatment with Amphotericin B and antibiotics led to a favorable outcome in this case.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, fatal central nervous system (CNS) infection.
  • Naegleria fowleri, an ameba ubiquitous in warm freshwater and soil, is the causative agent.
  • Infection occurs via nasal passage after exposure to contaminated water.

Observation:

  • The case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with PAM.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination was crucial for identifying the ameba.
  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of CNS involvement.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of PAM was confirmed through CSF analysis.
  • Successful treatment involved Amphotericin B and a course of antibiotics.
  • This case demonstrates a rare favorable outcome for PAM.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical for improving PAM prognosis.
  • CSF analysis is a key diagnostic tool for identifying Naegleria fowleri.
  • This case contributes to understanding treatment strategies for Naegleria fowleri infections.
Keywords:
Amphotericin BNaegleria fowlericentral nervous systemcerebrospinal fluidprimary amebic meningoencephalitis

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