Rare Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis diagnosed via combined molecular biology and metagenomic sequencing techniques: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Naegleria fowleri, a pathogenic free-living amoeba, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but devastating disease with acute onset, rapid progression, and > 95% mortality. Despite its rarity, the catastrophic outcomes associated with this infection underscore the critical importance of prevention. In this report, we present a rare pediatric fatality caused by PAM in China, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old child from Lushan County, Henan Province, developed persistent high fever, headache, vomiting, and altered mental status on December 5, 2024. After receiving ineffective local treatment, the child was transferred to the Eastern District of Henan Children's Hospital on December 7 for further

SUBMITTER: Kou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273379 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature