High-throughput metagenomics analysis in early and precise diagnosis of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis complicated with respiratory failure: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Human infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is uncommon and has only been sporadically reported in the literature. Patients infected with A cantonensis usually have a delayed diagnosis and sometimes a poor prognosis.

Patient concerns: A 70-year-old woman presented to the respiratory department with complaints of headache, chest pain, myalgia, fatigue, and anorexia for 7 days.

Diagnoses: Complete blood count showed eosinophilia. The serum was tested showing a positive finding of A cantonensis antibody. Cerebrospinal fluid was tested using high-throughput metagenomics analysis and 16 reads for A cantonensis were mapped. The patient was diagnosed with A cantonensis infection.

Interventions: The patient received a 7-day course of albendazole and 4-day course of prednisone.

Outcomes: When discharged from the hospital, the patient still suffered from fatigue and poor memory. Aminotransferase levels were high due to albendazole's liver toxicity. In a post-discharge follow-up about 1 month later she had recovered completely both physically and mentally, and peripheral eosinophil count and aminotransferase levels were both normal.

Lessons: Because the direct identification of parasites is difficult, high-throughput metagenomics analysis may provide a reliable alternative tool for the diagnoses of infection with A cantonensis. When albendazole is prescribed, caution must be taken with respect to its liver toxicity.