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Genetic Detection of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Causing by Naegleria Fowleri in Iraq: A Case Report

Noor Nihad Baqer1, Ahmed Salih Mohammed2, Bassad A Al-Aboody3

  • 1Water and Environment Directorate, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.

Iranian Journal of Parasitology
|October 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri is reported for the first time in Iraq. Early diagnosis and avoiding freshwater contact are crucial for preventing this rare, fatal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but severe infection of the brain.
  • Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
  • Iraq has not previously reported cases of N. fowleri infections.

Observation:

  • A case of PAM was diagnosed post-mortem in an 18-year-old female in Mosul, Iraq.
  • The patient presented with symptoms consistent with severe central nervous system infection.
  • Microscopic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential for identifying amoebic stages.

Findings:

  • Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri using PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene.
  • The Iraqi isolate of N. fowleri was sequenced and registered in GenBank (accession number OP380864.1).
  • PCR identified a 183bp product specific to N. fowleri.

Implications:

  • This case marks the first documented occurrence of N. fowleri in Iraq.
  • Rapid diagnostic methods, including CSF microscopy and genetic identification, are vital for timely treatment.
  • Public health awareness regarding the risks of freshwater exposure is critical for prevention.
Keywords:
Amoebic meningoencephalitisIraqNaegleria fowleri

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