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Comparative neuropathology of Naegleria fowleri infection across species

Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1, Sutherland K Maciver2, David Lloyd3

  • 1Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK; Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey.

Research in Veterinary Science
|July 31, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a severe brain infection. Pathological similarities in humans and animals validate animal models for studying this devastating disease and developing treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropathology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Comparative Pathology

Background:

  • Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an acute, rapidly progressing central nervous system infection.
  • PAM has a mortality rate exceeding 95%, making it a critical area for neuropathological research.
  • Understanding N. fowleri's pathology is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct an integrated comparative review of N. fowleri infection pathology in humans and animals.
  • To identify conserved neuroinvasion routes and pathological patterns across species.
  • To validate the use of animal models in N. fowleri research and therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative pathological analysis of N. fowleri infections in human and animal cases.
  • Review of existing literature on neuropathological findings.
  • Identification of conserved features in neuroinvasion, meningoencephalitis, and vascular injury.

Main Results:

  • Conserved routes of neuroinvasion by N. fowleri were identified.
  • Shared patterns of necrotizing and hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis were observed across species.
  • Cross-species similarities in inflammatory and vascular injury were highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • Pathological features of N. fowleri infection are broadly consistent across a wide range of mammals.
  • Animal models are validated for mechanistic studies and therapeutic development for PAM.
  • Consistent pathology supports the use of animal models for understanding and combating N. fowleri infections.
Keywords:
Comparative pathologyNecrotising meningoencephalitisNeuroinvasionPrimary amoebic meningoencephalitisZoonotic pathology

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