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Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

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Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
The Blood-brain Barrier00:49

The Blood-brain Barrier

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Updated: May 21, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Brain-sequestered Leukocytes from Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected Mice
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Published on: January 2, 2013

[Brain Amoebiasis].

Hajime Miyata1, Kenji Yagita

  • 1Department of Neuropathology, Research Institute for Brain and Blood Vessels, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|May 19, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Brain infections from amoebas, like Entamoeba histolytica, Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, and Balamuthia mandrillaris, can be fatal. While some amoebic brain abscesses are treatable, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis often have poor outcomes.

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Isolation and Analysis of Brain-sequestered Leukocytes from Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected Mice
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Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection

Published on: March 18, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Amoebic infections of the brain, including brain abscesses and meningoencephalitis, pose significant health risks.
  • Brain abscesses are typically caused by Entamoeba histolytica, often linked to liver abscesses and treatable with metronidazole.
  • Meningoencephalitis can result from pathogenic free-living amoebae like Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, and Balamuthia mandrillaris.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between various types of amoebic brain infections.
  • To outline the causative agents, transmission routes, and affected populations for each type of infection.
  • To highlight the challenges in treating primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on amoebic brain infections.
  • Classification of infections based on causative amoeba species (Entamoeba histolytica, Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia mandrillaris).
  • Analysis of transmission routes (fecal-oral, waterborne, soil-borne) and host factors (age, immune status, comorbidities).

Main Results:

  • Entamoeba histolytica causes brain abscesses via hematogenous spread, treatable with metronidazole.
  • Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) through direct intracranial spread, primarily affecting young individuals exposed to freshwater.
  • Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia mandrillaris cause granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis (GAM), with varying transmission routes and affected populations, often with high mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Amoebic brain infections present diverse clinical syndromes with distinct causative agents and transmission pathways.
  • Effective treatments for PAM and GAM remain elusive, contributing to their high mortality rates.
  • Further research is needed to develop effective therapeutic strategies for severe amoebic meningoencephalitis.