AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS: A REVIEW

Amoebic meiningoencephalitis is a fatal infection affecting the brain by protozoa Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthiamandrillaris. Both the symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis occur within few days of exposure and progress into a life threatening condition. Fatality has reported within two weeks of showing the signs and symptoms. The early diagnosis of the disease is a challenge and with early medical intervention only this disease can be constrained. Multiple antimicrobial combination has proved to cure the disease when it is identified on an early stage. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment algorithm of amoebic meningoencephalitis focuses on recent cases reported in Kerala.