Nervous System- Infection & Inflammation I
Question No. 17. The Answer is: (D) Entamoeba histolytica.
Discussion: Naegleria fowleri is the etiologic agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis which is rapidly fatal and with extremely high mortality. Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis and the prognosis is also very poor albeit the clinical course is typically longer, or even protracted, then that of primary amebic encephalitis.
In contrast to the above mentioned microorganisms, Entamoeba histolytica involves the liver and the lung. Involvement of the central nervous system is less common and co-exists with pulmonary and hepatic involvement in many cases. Typically, single or multiple abscesses are present at the gray-white junction. Timely treatment with appropriate surgical drainage and drug therapy can be of value. The general prognosis is poor to fair and is relatively better then that of the encephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris.