Meningoencephalitis

Question 1

Causes for Meningoencephalitis

Answer 1

• Naegleria fowleri

- Acanthamoeba

Question 2

What is Meningoencephalitis

Answer 2

Accidental parasites that invade the body only under unusual circumstances

Question 3

Causes for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri

Answer 3

• Amoeba Naegleria fowleri

- Swimming in warm, natural bodies of fresh water

Question 4

Pathogenesis Factors for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri

Answer 4

Amoeba are forced into human nasal passages by:

• swimming
• diving
• aquatic activities

Question 5

Virulence Factors for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri

Answer 5

-Burrows into the nasal mucosa
-Migrates to the brain and surrounding structures
-Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM):
Massive destruction:
-Brain
-Spinal tissue

• Results in hemorrhage and coma
• Death occurs within a week.

Question 6

Virulence Factors for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri 2

Answer 6

• Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM):
  1. Massive destruction of brain and spinal tissue
  2. Results in hemorrhage and coma
  3. Death occurs within a week.

Question 7

Transmission and Epidemiology for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri

Answer 7

• Fresh bodies of water
• Very common; children carry the amoeba as harmless biota
• Mostly in summer months
• infection is very rare

Question 8

Prevention and Treatment for Meningoencephalitis: Naegleria fowleri

Answer 8

• Treatment is usually futile
• Amphotericin B
• Sulfadiazine
• Tetracycline
• Swimming pools, baths to be chlorinated and checked
• No mean control exists.

Question 9

Transmission and Epidemiology for Meningoencephalitis: Acanthamoeba

Answer 9

Invades:

• Broken skin -Conjunctiva
• Lungs

Question 10

Transmission and Epidemiology for Meningoencephalitis: Acanthamoeba

Answer 10

• Traumatic eye injuries,
• Lens wearers
• AIDS patients
• exposed to contaminated water are at risk