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Neurologic amebiasis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris in an Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus)
Nicholas A Crossland1, Ibne Ali2, Christine Higbie2
1Departments of Pathobiological Sciences (Crossland, Bauer), School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LAVeterinary Clinical Sciences (Higbie), School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LALouisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (Bauer)National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (Ali, Jackson)Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge, LA (Pirie) ncross6@tigers.lsu.edu.
Abstract:
A 4-5-month-old intact male Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) was presented to the Baton Rouge Zoo's veterinary hospital with an acute onset of obtundation that was diagnosed with amebic encephalitis. Histologic examination revealed numerous amebic trophozoites within necrotic foci, affecting the occipital cerebrum and surrounding the mesencephalic aqueduct. The etiologic agent, Balamuthia mandrillaris, was determined by multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and indirect fluorescent antibody test. The current report documented a case of amebic encephalitis within the order Chiroptera.
