Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in an Infant due to Naegleria fowleri.

Abstract

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by free-living amebae Naegleria fowleri is a rare and fatal condition. A fatal case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in a 5-month-old infant who presented with the history of decrease breast feeding, fever, vomiting, and abnormal body movements. Trophozoites of Naegleria fowleri were detected in the direct microscopic examination of CSF and infant was put on amphotericin B and ceftazidime. Patient condition deteriorated, and he was discharged against medical advice and subsequently expired. We also reviewed previously reported 8 Indian cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and observed that for the last 5 years, none of the patients responded to amphotericin B. Has an era of amphotericin B-resistant Naegleria fowleri been emerged? Management strategy of PAM needs to be reviewed further.

• Authors: Vinay Khanna, Ruchee Khanna, Shrikiran Hebbar, V Shashidhar, Sunil Mundkar, Frenil Munim, Karthick Annamalai, Deepak Nayak, Chiranjay Mukhopadhayay
• Journal: Case reports in neurological medicine (Case Rep Neurol Med) Vol. 2011 Pg. 782539 ( 2011) ISSN: 2090-6676 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22937346 (Publication Type: Case Reports)