Diagnosis of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis by metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A case report

Abstract

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri is a fatal infection with a mortality rate of more than 95%, despite advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy and supportive care. Initial manifestations of PAM are indistinguishable from bacterial meningitis. Prompt diagnosis and antifungal treatment may help decline the overall mortality. Here we present a case of a 38-year-old man transferred to our hospital due to mild headache, which deteriorated quickly. Severe increased intracranial pressure was found. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was yellowish with significantly increased leukocyte and protein. Smear and culture were negative. The patient was first diagnosed with pyogenic meningoencephalitis. However, the symptoms deteriorated. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of CSF was applied and finally confirmed N. fowleri as the protist pathogen within 24 h. However, due to the time cost of sampling and transportation (2 days), the diagnosis came too late, and the patient passed away 1 day before. In summary, mNGS is a rapid and accurate diagnostic method for clinical practices, especially for rare central nervous system infections. It should be used as quickly as possible for acute infections, such as PAM. All aspects of patient interrogation and prompt identification should be paramount to ensure appropriate treatment and decline the overall mortality.

Keywords

• naegleria fowleri
• primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
• metagenomic next-generation sequencing
• diagnosis
• case report