Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
09:04

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: June 8, 2017

6.9K

Balamuthia mandrillaris Encephalitis: Slow but Lethal March Towards the Brain

Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1,2, Sutherland K Maciver3,4, Naveed Ahmed Khan2,5

  • 1From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Balamuthia mandrillaris causes granulomatous amebic encephalitis, but its slow progression to brain infection remains unclear. Understanding this pathogen

Area of Science:

  • Neuroparasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogenesis Research

Background:

  • Balamuthia mandrillaris is an amoebic pathogen responsible for granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE).
  • GAE is a severe neurological disease with high mortality.
  • The pathogen's slow invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) contrasts with rapid neurotropic pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the slow pathogenesis of Balamuthia mandrillaris.
  • To identify potential targets for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic interventions.
  • To improve the understanding of GAE development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Balamuthia mandrillaris.
  • Analysis of reported clinical cases and experimental studies.
  • Comparative analysis with other CNS-invading pathogens.

Main Results:

  • The slow progression is likely due to factors such as host immune response modulation and the pathogen's specific tropism.
  • Balamuthia mandrillaris may exhibit unique strategies for evading immune surveillance within the CNS.
  • Current understanding of its neuroinvasion is incomplete, hindering timely diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • The delayed onset of GAE is a critical factor influencing patient outcomes.
  • Further research into Balamuthia mandrillaris's interaction with the host is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets and improving early recognition are key priorities for managing GAE.
Keywords:
central nervous systemencephalitisparasite

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

7.0K
Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo10:50

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo

Published on: March 26, 2019

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...