Meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba (culbertsoni) Save

Meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba (culbertsoni)

Meningoencephalitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. One cause of this condition is an infection caused by the amoeba Acanthamoeba culbertsoni.

Acanthamoeba are free-living amoebae commonly found in soil, water, and air. They are usually harmless, but in rare cases, they can cause serious infections, such as meningoencephalitis. This condition occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, eyes, or mouth and travels to the brain and spinal cord.

People who are at highest risk of developing meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba include those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV or those who have had an organ transplant. Additionally, people who wear contact lenses or use neti pots to irrigate their sinuses are also at a higher risk of infection.

1. Symptoms of meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba

The symptoms of meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba can be similar to those of other types of meningitis, including:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
2. Diagnosis of meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba

Diagnosing meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of other types of meningitis. A doctor may perform a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and test it for the presence of the amoeba. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may also be used to look for signs of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

3. Prevention of meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba

There are several steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba:

• Avoid swimming in warm, stagnant water, such as lakes or hot springs
• Avoid using tap water to clean and store contact lenses
• Use sterile water or contact lens solution instead of tap water to rinse contact lenses
• Avoid using neti pots to irrigate sinuses, or use only sterile water or saline solution

Meningoencephal