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Fatal Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri: The First Imported Case in Korea.

ABSTRACT: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, but almost always fatal, central nervous system infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, which are thermophilic free-living amoeba. Here, we report the first case of PAM detected in South Korea, probably imported from Thailand. Despite antimicrobial treatment for N. fowleri infection with a combination of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B, fluconazole, azithromycin, and oral rifampin, the patient died 13 days after the onset of symptoms. Clinicians in South Korea treating severe meningoencephalitis, especially in individuals returning from tropical areas, are encouraged to include PAM in the differential diagnoses, given the accelerated global warming and increased overseas trips.

SUBMITTER: Hong KW

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10522881 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Fatal Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri: The First Imported Case in Korea.

Hong Kyung-Wook KW Jeong Jong Hwan JH Byun Jung-Hyun JH Hong Sung-Hee SH Ju Jung-Won JW Bae In-Gyu IG

Yonsei medical journal 20231001 10

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, but almost always fatal, central nervous system infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, which are thermophilic free-living amoeba. Here, we report the first case of PAM detected in South Korea, probably imported from Thailand. Despite antimicrobial treatment for N. fowleri infection with a combination of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B, fluconazole, azithromycin, and oral rifampin, the patient died 13 days after the onset of s ...[more]

PMID: 37727924

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