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Isolation of Acanthamoeba from a cerebral abscess
C R Harwood1, G E Rich, R McAleer
1State Health Laboratory Services, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|January 4, 1988
Summary
A rare case of Acanthamoeba brain abscess in a diabetic Aboriginal woman highlights diagnostic challenges. Despite initial treatment, the patient succumbed to necrotizing enteritis, suggesting unusually virulent amoebic strains.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cerebral abscesses require prompt diagnosis and management.
- Acanthamoeba infections are rare but can be severe, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old diabetic Aboriginal woman presented with fever, altered mental state, and convulsions.
- Computed tomography revealed a cerebral abscess; microscopy of drained pus showed amoebic cysts.
- Special cultures confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba.
Findings:
- The patient initially responded to abscess drainage and antiprotozoal therapy.
- Necrotizing enteritis developed, leading to a fatal outcome.
- Pathogenicity testing indicated unusually virulent Acanthamoeba strains.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering amoebic infections in cerebral abscesses, especially in endemic or susceptible populations.
- Diagnostic challenges and management strategies for Acanthamoeba encephalitis require further investigation.
- The unusual virulence of the identified Acanthamoeba strain warrants further study.