A case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

A case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri in a Nigerian child is described. This is probably the first authentic case from West Africa. The clinical manifestations, isolation of the ameba from the cerebrospinal fluid and nasal passages, poor response to amphotericin B, and ultimate fatal outcome all are consistent with the diagnosis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Subsequent identification based on morphologic features, flagellation, animal pathogenicity, and nuclear division proved conclusively that the ameba was Naegleria fowleri. The route of entry of the ameba proved to be nasal. In the absence of the history of swimming and in view of the dusty harmattan period during which the child was admitted, a possibility of infection by inhalation of dust harboring amebic cysts is suggested.