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Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Caused by Naegleria
Two New Cases, Response to Amphotericin B, and a Review
- RICHARD J. DUMA, M.D., F.A.C.P.;
- WILLIAM I. ROSENBLUM, M.D.;
- READ F. MCGEHEE, M.D.;
- MURIEL M. JONES, M.S.; and
- E. CLIFFORD NELSON, SC.D
Abstract
Two new cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and two previously reported cases are presented as the basis for a description of the clinical, pathological, epidemiological, and protozoological aspects of this infection. The patients acquired their illnesses from swimming in fresh water; the infections were culturally proved to be caused by free-living amoeboflagellates of the genus Naegleria. The infections were rapidly fatal, but in two cases the responsible pathogens were markedly inhibited in vivo (as well as in vitro) by amphotericin B; at present this drug appears to be the only promising treatment available for an otherwise fatal disease.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases; the Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology; and the Department of Microbiology; Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Richard J. Duma, M.D., Box 92, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219
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- Received February 26, 1971.
- Accepted March 12, 1971.
