Page 26 - Medical Parasitology_ A Textbook ( PDFDrive )

18 3 Amoebae

Life Cycle

Life cycle is similar to that of Acanthamoeba spp.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

It causes GAE in both healthy and immunocompromised hosts particularly in chil-
dren and elderly. There is a lack of information regarding the pathogenesis of B.
mandrillaris.

Diagnosis

1. Microscopy and histology
Identification of trophozoites in the CSF and trophozoites and cysts in brain
tissue.
2. Molecular diagnosis
PCR on CSF
The amoeba cannot be cultured on an agar plate coated with E. coli because B.
mandrillaris does not feed on bacteria.

Treatment

Drugs used in treating GAE caused by Balamuthia have included a combination of flucy-
tosine, pentamidine, fluconazole, sulfadiazine and either azithromycin or clarithromycin.

Prevention and Control

Currently, there are no known ways to prevent infection with Balamuthia.