Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Bliton J[original query] |
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Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of primary amebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri: A global review
Gharpure R , Bliton J , Goodman A , Ali IKM , Yoder J , Cope JR . Clin Infect Dis 2020 73 (1) e19-e27 BACKGROUND: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly progressive and often fatal condition caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. To estimate the global occurrence, characterize the epidemiology, and describe the clinical features of PAM, we report a series of PAM cases published in the international literature and reported to CDC. METHODS: We performed a literature search of PAM case reports published through 2018. Additionally, we included cases reported through CDC's Free-Living Ameba surveillance or diagnosed via CDC's Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas Laboratory. Cases were classified as confirmed, probable, or suspect on the basis of confirmatory testing, presentation, exposure, and disease course. RESULTS: A total of 381 PAM cases were identified. From 1965 to 2016, the number of reported cases increased an average of 1.6% per year. Seven reported survivors were classified as confirmed.The most commonly reported exposure associated with PAM was swimming/diving, and the most common class of water source was lakes/ponds/reservoirs. Patients were predominantly male (75%), with a median age of 14 years. Confirmed and probable cases were similar in their survival, course of illness, and CSF findings. CONCLUSIONS: PAM is a rare but deadly disease with worldwide occurrence. Improved clinician awareness, resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment, may contribute to increased survival among PAM patients. The probable case definition used in this study appears to capture cases of PAM, as evidenced by similarities in outcomes, clinical course, and CSF profile to confirmed cases. In the absence of confirmatory testing, clinicians could use this case definition to identify cases of PAM. |
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