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Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis
Rare and usually fatal brain infection by certain amoebae / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE)[2] is a rare, often fatal, subacute-to-chronic central nervous system disease caused by certain species of free-living amoebae[3] of the genera Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia and Sappinia.[4][5] The term is most commonly used with Acanthamoeba. In more modern references, the term "balamuthia amoebic encephalitis" (BAE) is commonly used when Balamuthia mandrillaris is the cause.[6][7][8][9] Similarly, Sappinia amoebic encephalitis (SAE) is the name for amoebic encephalitis caused by species of Sappinia.[10]
Quick Facts Specialty, Symptoms ...
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis | |
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T2-weighted MRI showing a necrotic brain absess as a result of GAE caused by an infection of Acanthamoeba. | |
Specialty | Infectious diseases ![]() |
Symptoms | Fever, headaches, personality changes[1] |
Complications | seizures, coma, risk of death |
Causes | Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Sappinia pedata |
Treatment | Nitroxoline, miltefosine |
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B: T1-weighted MRI showing expansion of the brain infection 4 days later