A primary amoebic meningoencephalitis case associated with swimming in seawater

Parasitol Res. 2023 Oct;122(10):2451-2452. doi: 10.1007/s00436-023-07934-z. Epub 2023 Aug 9.

Abstract

This case report describes a 62-year-old male fisherman who presented with persistent vomiting, headache, and behavior changes. Despite initial antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment, his condition worsened, leading to coma and subsequent death. Macro-genome sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed the presence of Naegleria fowleri infection, which had been missed during initial laboratory tests. The patient's exposure history included sea-swimming near Zhoushan Island.

Keywords: Naegleria fowleri; Primary amebic meningoencephalitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amebiasis* / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis* / diagnosis
  • Middle Aged
  • Naegleria fowleri* / genetics
  • Seawater
  • Swimming