Detection and Confirmation of Naegleria fowleri in a Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Patient Using a Molecular Approach

The Naegleria fowleri amoeba stands as the primary culprit behind primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), presenting a substantial global public health concern. In recent years, over 17 cases of PAM have been reported in Karachi, Pakistan, highlighting its increased prevalence in the country's most densely populated city. This study scrutinized 74 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from meningitis patients across various health facilities in the city. These samples underwent thorough examination employing biochemical, microbial, and cytological methods. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers targeting the Naegleria genus and N. fowleri was employed to ascertain the presence of N. fowleri in the CSF samples. While biochemical and cytological analyses provided supportive information, they failed to yield a distinct diagnostic pattern. Nevertheless, through direct microscopic observation, cultural growth, and PCR-based analyses, N. fowleri was definitively identified in one CSF sample.