{Reference Type}: Case Reports
{Title}: A local case of fulminant primary amoebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri.
{Author}: McLaughlin A;O'Gorman T;
{Journal}: Rural Remote Health
{Volume}: 19
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 04 2019
{Factor}: 2.733
{DOI}: 10.22605/RRH4313
{Abstract}: Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is an extremely rare, predominantly fulminant central nervous system infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, first described in Australia in 1965. Despite the ubiquitous presence of N. fowleri, as few as 300 cases of infection have since been reported worldwide, with a case fatality rate approaching 98%. A combination of low index of suspicion, non-specific clinical findings and largely ineffective treatment modalities make this rapidly progressive meningoencephalitis virtually impossible to treat. Early and aggressive treatment utilising intravenous and intrathecal routes by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, intensivists and microbiologists is required. Presented is a case of a 56-year-old man who presented to the Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland, Australia, with rapidly progressive primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. He received maximal therapy and died of his disease while in hospital.