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Detection and Confirmation of Naegleria fowleri in a Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Patient Using a Molecular

Muhammad Aurongzeb1, Muhammad Amer Nazir1, Raheela Yasmin2

  • 1Department of Applied Sciences, FEST, Hamdard University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.

Journal of Parasitology Research
|December 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri, the cause of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), was identified in one cerebrospinal fluid sample from Karachi, Pakistan. This finding highlights the need for improved diagnostics for this rare but deadly infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe global health concern.
  • Karachi, Pakistan, has reported over 17 PAM cases, indicating a rising prevalence in this densely populated urban center.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of Naegleria fowleri in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from meningitis patients in Karachi.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of various diagnostic methods for Naegleria fowleri detection in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 74 CSF samples from meningitis patients using biochemical, microbial, and cytological techniques.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genus- and species-specific primers for Naegleria identification.
  • Direct microscopic observation and cultural growth methods were also employed.

Main Results:

  • Biochemical and cytological analyses did not provide a definitive diagnostic pattern for Naegleria fowleri.
  • Direct microscopy, culture, and PCR collectively identified Naegleria fowleri in one CSF sample.
  • PCR confirmed the presence of Naegleria genus and specifically N. fowleri.

Conclusions:

  • Naegleria fowleri can be present in CSF samples of meningitis patients in Karachi, Pakistan.
  • A combination of diagnostic methods, including PCR, is crucial for accurate identification of Naegleria fowleri.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and improve diagnostic strategies for PAM in the region.
Keywords:
KarachiNaegleria fowleriPakistanamoebic infectioncerebrospinal fluidmeningitisprimary amebic meningoencephalitis

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