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[Primary amebic meningoencephalomyelitis. Report of a case]
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Primary amebic meningoencephalomyelitis caused by Naegleria sp. in a boy showed prompt remission of brain and meningeal symptoms with Amphotericin-B treatment. However, permanent motor and sensory deficits remained due to spinal cord damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Primary amebic meningoencephalomyelitis (PAM) is a rare and often fatal infection of the central nervous system.
- Naegleria species are free-living amebae capable of causing PAM through nasal inoculation.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with symptoms of myelitis and encephalitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis with persistently high eosinophil counts.
- Naegleria sp. was isolated from both cerebrospinal fluid and a recreational water source.
Findings:
- Intravenous Amphotericin-B treatment led to prompt remission of encephalitis and meningeal signs.
- Cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities resolved progressively.
- The patient experienced permanent sensorimotor deficits resulting from spinal cord involvement.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Amphotericin-B can improve outcomes in Naegleria infections.
- Despite treatment, severe neurological sequelae, particularly spinal cord damage, can persist.
- Environmental surveillance and public awareness are crucial for preventing Naegleria infections.