Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Free-living amoeba infection
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Free-living amoeba infection

Contributors: Neil Mendoza MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Infection due to environmental protozoan parasites. Pathogens include Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. These organisms can invade the central nervous system (CNS) after humans are exposed by swimming in fresh water. CNS disease due to N. fowleri is severe and nearly always fatal.

Patients present with symptoms usually associated with acute bacterial meningitis including fever, headache, mental status changes, and seizures. Analysis of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) reveals a high white blood cell count, low glucose, and high protein (as is commonly seen in bacterial meningitis). If a CSF wet mount is performed, trophozoites can occasionally be identified. Infection with Acanthamoeba species or B. mandrillaris can present in a subacute manner with focal neurological deficits. Patients may also have changes in their mental status. These deficits are due to mass lesions in the CNS. Infections with these pathogens are also frequently fatal.

In addition to disease of the CNS, infection with Acanthamoeba species and B. mandrillaris has been reported to occasionally involve other body sites including the sinuses, lungs, and skin. Additionally, Acanthamoeba species can cause a keratitis. Optimal therapy for these severe infections has not been established.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B60.2 – Naegleriasis

SNOMEDCT:
266169003 – Free-Living Amoeba Infection

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:11/29/2016
Last Updated:01/12/2017
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Free-living amoeba infection
Print  
A medical illustration showing key findings of Free-living amoeba infection : Seizures, Severe headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Photophobia, High fever
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.