Keywords
Central Nervous System
Ameba
Protozoal Infections
How to Cite
Abstract
Amoebic infections of the central nervous system are a rare entity, yet they are characterized by extreme virulence and a devastating prognosis. Naegleria fowleri is the amoeba responsible for the development of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia genus, which are other types of amoeba, are the etiologic agents of amoebic granulomatous encephalitis. Despite having a slower course and being less virulent, these agents have a lethality almost as high as Naegleria fowleri. Due to the non-specific symptoms, these infections can simulate bacterial, viral or non infectious causes. High suspicion should be placed on this diagnosis, particularly when dealing with a history of recent exposure to possibly contaminated waters. Different treatment options have been used; however, effective therapy has not been established and the outcome remains fatal in the vast majority of cases.
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