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Published in: Neurocritical Care 1/2010

01-02-2010 | Practical Pearl

Acute Granulomatous Acanthamoeba Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Authors: Peter Lackner, Ronny Beer, Gregor Broessner, Raimund Helbok, Bettina Pfausler, Christian Brenneis, Herbert Auer, Julia Walochnik, Erich Schmutzhard

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Acanthamoeba sp. are known to cause fatal granulomatous Acanthamoeba encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised patients.

Methods

The case of a 17 year old immunocompetent patient with acute purulent meningoencephalitis is reported.

Results

After substantial improvement of cerebrospinal fluid under conventional antimicrobial treatment the patient was suffering several relapses. The causative agent was identified as Acanthamoeba lenticulata T5 which entered the CNS through a bone dehiscence of ethmoidal cells. Due to severe vasospasm the patient developed multiple strokes, which led to marked neurologic sequels.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrates successful treatment of usually lethal GAE in an immunocompetent patient with high dose meropenem, linezolid, moxifloxacin and fluconazole followed by a partially adapted antimicrobial combination therapy.
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Metadata
Title
Acute Granulomatous Acanthamoeba Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors
Peter Lackner
Ronny Beer
Gregor Broessner
Raimund Helbok
Bettina Pfausler
Christian Brenneis
Herbert Auer
Julia Walochnik
Erich Schmutzhard
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9291-z

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