Naegleria infection history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
History and Symptoms
Acute primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by Naegleria fowleri. It presents with severe headache and other meningeal signs, fever, vomiting, and focal neurologic deficits, and progresses rapidly (<10 days) and frequently to coma and death. Acanthamoeba spp. causes mostly subacute or chronic granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), with a clinical picture of headaches, altered mental status, and focal neurologic deficit, which progresses over several weeks to death. In addition, Acanthamoeba spp. can cause granulomatous skin lesions and, more seriously, keratitis and corneal ulcers following corneal trauma or in association with contact lens use. Non-contact lens users and contact lens users with safe lens care practices can become infected. However, poor contact lens hygiene and exposure to contaminated water may increase the risk among contact lens users.