Primary Amoebic Meningeoncephalitis
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[edit] Primary Amoebic Meningeoncephalitis
Primary Amoebic Meningeoncephalitis is a central nervous system infection which is almost always fatal. Infection typically occurs during the summer month and patients typically have a history of exposure to a natural body of water. Symptoms are those of bacterial meningitis but not bacteria will be present in spinal fluid. The disease is caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri which enters the central nervous system through the cribiform plate.
[edit] Cause
Naegleria fowleri is an ameba that is ubiquitous in soils and warm waters. The organism specifically prefers temperatures above 90 deg. The organism is extremely sensitive to chlorine (<0.5ppm). Exposure to the organism is extremely common due to it's wide distribution in nature.
Disease caused by Naegleria fowleri is extremely rare. World wide only 200 cases have been reported so far. The incubation period is ca 3-14 days. Risk factors are being a young male and having water forced up the nose.
[edit] Treatment
The treatment is to administer Amphotericin B which is a strong medication with many side effects and low effectiveness against the causitive agent.
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