Naegleria fowleri (Primary amebic meningoencephalitis)
High Yield Notes
6 pages
Flashcards
Naegleria fowleri (Primary amebic meningoencephalitis)
0 of 5 complete
Questions
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
0 of 1 complete
A 30-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her partner due to high fever and severe headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The partner reported that the patient was fine until 2 days ago, when she started complaining of a headache and rapidly became confused. Temperature is 38.9°C (102°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 20/min, and blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg. On physical examination, the patient is obtunded and responds only to noxious stimuli. Pupils are equal and responsive to light. When the neck is flexed, the patient flexes the lower limbs. A thorough skin examination reveals no rashes, petechiae, or purpura. CSF analysis shows elevated WBC count with polymorphonuclear predominance, low glucose, high protein, and numerous RBCs. A wet mount is performed and reveals the following:
Retrieved from: Wikimedia Commons
Further review of this patient's history will most likely reveal which of the following?
Retrieved from: Wikimedia Commons
Further review of this patient's history will most likely reveal which of the following?
External References
First Aid
2024
2023
2022
2021
Amphotericin B p. 194
Naegleria fowleri p. , 153
Meningoencephalitis
Naegleria fowleri p. , 153
Naegleria fowleri p. , 153
Summary
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that can be pathogenic, causing a fulminant brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is often called "brain-eating amoeba" because it can destroy brain tissue and is usually fatal. This microorganism is typically found in bodies of warm freshwaters, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and hot springs, and may gain access to the central nervous system through the nose and then the cribriform plate.