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Post-neurosurgical meningitis by Naegleria fowleri and Staphylococcus aureus in Ecuador: A case report
Eduardo Montalvo1, Camila Lara-Cazorla2, V Neira3
1Clinical Laboratory Service, Hospital General Docente de Calderón, Ministry of Public Health, Quito, Ecuador.
Abstract:
This report describes the first documented case in Ecuador of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, in coinfection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) associated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). A 23-year-old male with a history of severe traumatic brain injury developed central nervous system infection symptoms after VPS placement. Despite targeted antibiotics for MRSA, clinical deterioration continued. Whole genome sequencing confirmed N. fowleri, prompting antiparasitic treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole, resulting in partial improvement. This case underscores the need to consider rare pathogens in atypical neurological cases and highlights the diagnostic value of genome sequencing in complex infections.
Insights
This report details the first case in Ecuador of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, co-infecting with MRSA in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Genome sequencing aided diagnosis and treatment of this rare coinfection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
- Coinfections with bacteria, particularly in patients with central nervous system devices, present diagnostic challenges.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common nosocomial pathogen.
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