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Case Report: Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis due to Acanthamoeba spp. in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient

Denisse Vaquera Aparicio1, José Iván Castillo Bejarano1, Abiel Mascareñas de Los Santos1

  • 11Department of Pediatrics/Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González," Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|May 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), a rare central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Acanthamoeba, is often fatal in children. This case highlights the importance of considering GAE in pediatric patients with chronic CNS symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) is a rare and often fatal central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Acanthamoeba species.
  • Information on GAE in pediatric populations is limited, primarily consisting of case reports and series.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a 6-month history of progressive headaches and subsequent CNS involvement.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple supra- and infratentorial cerebral abscesses.

Findings:

  • Despite empiric antibiotic treatment, the patient succumbed to the infection 20 days after hospital admission.
  • Postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of GAE.

Implications:

  • GAE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting with chronic headaches, vomiting, fever, and CNS involvement.
  • This case underscores the critical need for increased awareness and timely diagnosis of GAE in immunocompetent children.
  • Further research is warranted to improve diagnostic strategies and therapeutic outcomes for pediatric GAE.

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