5 Facts you should know about

Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis

Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) is a rare and severe central nervous system infection caused by free-living amoebae, primarily Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris, which can lead to fatal brain inflammation

GAE is opportunistic and usually affects individuals with compromised immune systems, although cases have been reported in otherwise healthy individuals

The amoebae gain access to the brain through the respiratory tract or skin wounds, and the infection progresses slowly, causing symptoms such as headache, fever, seizures, confusion, and focal neurological deficits

Diagnosis involves brain imaging (MRI/CT scans) to detect brain lesions, followed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis, biopsy, or serological tests to identify the amoebae or their DNA

Treatment of GAE is challenging, often involving a combination of antiamoebic medications, such as miltefosine or a combination of sulfadiazine, flucytosine, and azoles, along with supportive care; however, the prognosis remains poor, especially in advanced cases

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