Fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in a Norwegian tourist returning from Thailand.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare disease caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Infection occurs by insufflation of water containing amoebae into the nasal cavity, and is usually associated with bathing in freshwater. Nasal irrigation is a more rarely reported route of infection.

Case presentation

A fatal case of PAM in a previously healthy Norwegian woman, acquired during a holiday trip to Thailand, is described. Clinical findings were consistent with rapidly progressing meningoencephalitis. The cause of infection was discovered by chance, owing to the unexpected detection of N. fowleri DNA by a PCR assay targeting fungi. A conclusive diagnosis was established based on sequencing of N. fowleri DNA from brain

SUBMITTER: Stubhaug TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5330229 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature