The Diagnostic and Management Options of Naegleria Fowleri Amebic Infection

Abstract

The source of Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) infection is via direct contact with poorly chlorinated or contaminated water. It can easily be acquired during swimming or face wash with contaminated water through inhalation of Naegleria cysts. The mortality rate with N. fowleri or 'brain-eating amoeba' has been estimated to be as high as 98%. The exact prevalence of N. fowleri infection in Pakistan cannot be assessed because of limited National data. The clinical manifestations usually mimic meningitis and hydrocephalous, thus, remained the main reason for under reporting of these cases. Therefore, there is a dire need to adopt proper diagnostic approaches through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microscopic examination and molecular detection by polymerization chain reaction (PCR) studies in all the suspected cases. Moreover an aggressive combination therapy with Amphotericin B, rifampicin and miconazole can be helpful to reduce the high mortality rate form the said infection.