Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
09:04
Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches
Published on: October 27, 2013
14.9K
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in an infant.
Neetu Mittal1, Lokesh Mahajan2, Zahid Hussain2
1Department of Microbiology, QRG Central Hospital and Research Centre, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|August 20, 2019
Summary
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and fatal brain infection, was diagnosed in an infant. Early detection of Naegleria fowleri in cerebrospinal fluid is critical for potential management of this deadly disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, devastating central nervous system infection.
- It is caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, typically affecting immunocompetent individuals.
- PAM has an extremely high mortality rate, underscoring the need for rapid diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 8-month-old female infant presented with acute meningoencephalitis symptoms.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed motile amoebic trophozoites.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri.
Findings:
- The case highlights the rapid progression of Naegleria fowleri infection in an infant.
- Despite broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated.
- The isolation of Naegleria fowleri underscores its etiological role in the observed meningoencephalitis.
Implications:
- Increased clinical awareness and prompt diagnostic measures for PAM are crucial.
- Early identification of Naegleria fowleri is essential for timely and appropriate management strategies.
- This case emphasizes the urgent need for improved therapeutic options and public health awareness regarding PAM prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
262
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
262
01:47Primary Active Transport
196.6K
In contrast to passive transport, active transport involves a substance being moved through membranes in a direction against its concentration or electrochemical gradient. There are two types of active transport: primary active transport and secondary active transport. Primary active transport utilizes chemical energy from ATP to drive protein pumps that are embedded in the cell membrane. With energy from ATP, the pumps transport ions against their electrochemical gradients—a direction...
196.6K
01:29Primary Active Transport
13.6K
In contrast to passive transport, active transport involves a substance being moved through membranes in a direction against its concentration or electrochemical gradient. There are two types of active transport: primary active transport and secondary active transport. Primary active transport utilizes chemical energy from ATP to drive protein pumps embedded in the cell membrane. With energy from ATP, the pumps transport ions against their electrochemical gradients—a direction they would...
13.6K
03:02Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
60.2K
Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
60.2K
01:28Primary Distribution
534
Primary distribution systems deliver electrical power from substations to consumers through various voltage classes, with 15-kV class voltages being predominant among U.S. utilities. Older 2.5- and 5-kV classes are being replaced by 15-kV primaries, while higher 25- to 34.5-kV classes are used in high-density urban areas and rural regions with long feeders. Three-phase, four-wire multigrounded systems are widely employed for balanced power delivery, using the neutral wire as a grounding point.
534
01:06Primary Production
25.1K
The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.
25.1K