Naegleria fowleri: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology of Brain Inflammation, and Antimicrobial Treatments.

Abstract

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a very rare disease with a high mortality rate. PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba which resides in freshwater lakes and ponds and can survive in inadequately chlorinated pools ( Lopez, C.; Budge, P.; Chen, J., et al. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis: a case report and literature review . Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2012 , 28 , 272 - 276 ). In the past 50 years, there have been over 130 cases of Naegleria induced PAM in the United States with only three known survivors; one survivor was diagnosed and treated at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Successful treatment of PAM started with a rapid diagnosis, extensive antimicrobial therapy including an investigational medication miltefosine, supportive care, an intraventricular shunt, and hypothermia. These treatments address different aspects of the disease process. Increased understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of PAM is important especially for patients who present with meningitis-like findings during the summer months.