A case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Light and electron microscopy, and immunohistologic studies
Hoffmann, E.O.; Garcia, C.; Lunseth, J.; McGarry, P.; Coover, J.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 27(1 Pt 1): 29-38
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 626278 Document Number: 138421
A 56-year old alcoholic in the USA developed primary meningoencephalitis and died 3 weeks later. Autopsy revealed multiple areas of necrosis and acute and granulomatous inflammation in the brain and pancreas. Trophozoites and cysts were discovered in the brain and trophozoites alone in the pancreas. Morphological studies revealed some parasitic features described as characteristic for Naegleria, but clinical, histological and immunohistological features suggested Acanthamoeba infection. Cultural characteristics, immunohistology and serological tests are probably more reliable than morphological criteria for differentiating these parasites.