"Differential diagnosis "
"Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also known as naegleriasis, is a rare and usually fatal acute CNS infection caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri."
"This is a distinct clinical syndrome to granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, which is a subacute-chronic illness in immunocompromised patients with a highly variable presentation that is caused by Acanthamoeba spp. (main cause), Balamuthia mandrillaris and Sappinia pedata."
"Naegleria fowleri is most commonly found in fresh and warm water sources such as lakes and hot springs, and transmission occurs due to inhalation of infested water 3. Once in the brain, PAM results in extensive damage, characterised by a purulent exudate and necrosis of the brain parenchyma, ependyma, and meninges 2. The exudate usually contains a mixture of neutrophils and the amoeba itself 2."
Expected headings
"CSF"
"Differential diagnosis "
"PAM has a very acute presentation, with fatality usually occurring within a week of symptom onset regardless of treatment status 1,2. It presents similarly to a severe and highly aggressive bacterial meningoencephalitis, with common clinical features including severe headache, high fever, nuchal rigidity, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, cranial nerve palsies, change in mental status, seizures, clinical signs of meningeal irritation and coma 1,5."
"often normal in the earliest stages (e.g. at presentation)"
"The approach to treatment of naegleriasis is uncertain and based on case report-level evidence 2,3. A variety of antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic agents may be trialled in combination 2,3,5. Prognosis is often very poor even with treatment 1-3."