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Three encephalitis-causing amoebae and their distinct interactions with the host

Maarten J Sarink1, Nadia L van der Meijs1, Kristin Denzer2

  • 1Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Trends in Parasitology
|November 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp. cause lethal brain infections with overlapping symptoms. This review identifies key factors differentiating these amoebic infections for improved treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroparasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp. are protozoa capable of causing fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans.
  • Despite overlapping clinical presentations, distinct pathological mechanisms and disease courses characterize infections by these three amoebae.
  • Recent advances in understanding amoebic pathogenicity, host immunity, and epidemiology provide new insights into these devastating infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current knowledge on the biology, pathogenicity, and host immune responses to N. fowleri, B. mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp.
  • To elucidate the factors contributing to the differential clinical manifestations and outcomes of infections caused by these amoebae.
  • To identify potential targets for novel therapeutic and preventative strategies against these lethal amoebic brain infections.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent research on N. fowleri, B. mandrillaris, and Acanthamoeba spp.
  • Comparative analysis of pathogenicity mechanisms, virulence factors, and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Synthesis of epidemiological data and human immune responses to the different amoebic species.

Main Results:

  • Distinct differences in amoebic invasion pathways, cytopathic effects, and immune evasion strategies were identified.
  • Variations in the inflammatory milieu and host immune cell infiltration correlate with specific amoebic infections.
  • Epidemiological patterns and routes of exposure contribute to the differential disease burden and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the specific biological and immunological factors differentiating these amoebic infections is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • The review highlights the need for species-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to combat these rare but fatal brain infections.
  • Further research into comparative pathobiology and host immune modulation holds promise for developing effective treatments against Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Acanthamoeba infections.
Keywords:
AcanthamoebaBalamuthia mandrillarisNaegleria fowlericentral nervous systemhost–pathogen interactionsimmunityprotozoal infections

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