PCR-Based Diagnosis of
            <i>Naegleria</i>
            sp. Infection in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Brain Sections

Schild, Marc; Gianinazzi, Christian; Gottstein, Bruno; Müller, Norbert

doi:10.1128/jcm.01357-06

Cited by 41 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Nested-PCR and PCR can identify the presence of amoeba in microbiological cultures. A PCR assay using primers for the complete ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) has been developed that allows for the discrimination of Naegleria species, and a species specific assay allows for the detection of N. fowleri [16,17,18,19].…”

Section: Primary Amoebic Encephalitis (Pam)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human infections caused by free-living amoebae

Król-Turmińska¹,

Olender²

2017

Ann Agric Environ Med.

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Introduction. Among free-living amoebae that are widely distributed in nature only four genera/species are known as agents of human infections: Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleriafowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Sappiniapedata. These amoebae are not well adapted to parasitism, and could exist in the human environment without the need for a host. Infections due to these amoebae, despite low morbidity, are characterized by relatively high mortality rate and pose serious clinical problems. Objectve. This review study presents and summarizes current knowledge about infections due to pathogenic and opportunistic free-living amoebae focused on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment based on global literature. State of knowledge. All four genera have been recognized as etiologic factors of fatal central nervous system infections and other serious diseases in humans. N. fowleri causes an acute fulminating meningoencephalitis in children and young adults. Acanthamoeba spp. and B.mandrillaris are opportunistic pathogens causing granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and disseminated or localized infections which could affect the skin, sinuses, lungs, adrenals and/or bones. Acanthamoeba spp. is also the main agent of acute eye infection -Acanthamoeba keratitis, mostly in contact lens wearers. However, there is only one recognized case of encephalitis caused by S. pedata. Conclusions. Amoebic diseases are difficult to diagnose which leads to delayed treatment, and result in a high mortality rate. Considering those issues, there is an urgent need to draw more attention to this type of diseases.

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Section: Primary Amoebic Encephalitis (Pam)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human infections caused by free-living amoebae

Król-Turmińska¹,

Olender²

2017

Ann Agric Environ Med.

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“…The diagnosis of PAM should include PCR (500,575). A PCR assay with the ability to detect Naegleria in formalin-fixed brain sections with a high level of sensitivity was developed (500). A real-time PCR assay that can distinguish between multiple members of the genus Naegleria by melting-curve analysis has also been developed (479).…”

Section: Naegleria Fowlerimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, serology is not useful for the diagnosis of PAM (589). The diagnosis of PAM should include PCR (500,575). A PCR assay with the ability to detect Naegleria in formalin-fixed brain sections with a high level of sensitivity was developed (500).…”

Section: Naegleria Fowlerimentioning

confidence: 99%

Importance of Nonenteric Protozoan Infections in Immunocompromised People

et al. 2010

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SUMMARY There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids and Plasmodium is abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids, Toxoplasma spp., Neospora spp., some free-living amoebae, Plasmodium spp., and Babesia spp. are discussed.

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“…An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) for the recognition of N. fowleri antigen in paraffin-embedded brain tissue slide is routinely performed at Centers for Disease Control. Additionally, PCR-based assays have been established for the sensitive, rapid, and precise identification of N. fowleri in clinical samples, and cultured amoebae from patients and the environment (14,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35) (Table 1).…”

Section: Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Biology and pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri

et al. 2016

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2 SummaryNaegleria fowleri is a protist pathogen that can cause lethal brain infection. Despite decades of research, the mortality rate related with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis owing to N. fowleri remains more than 90%. The amoebae pass through the nose to enter the central nervous system killing the host within days, making it one of the deadliest opportunistic parasites. Accordingly, we present an up to date review of the biology and pathogenesis of N.fowleri and discuss needs for future research against this fatal infection.

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PCR-Based Diagnosis of Naegleria sp. Infection in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Brain Sections

Cited by 41 publications

References 27 publications

Human infections caused by free-living amoebae

Human infections caused by free-living amoebae

Importance of Nonenteric Protozoan Infections in Immunocompromised People

Biology and pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri

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