Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Overview

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Learn About Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis

What is the definition of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, usually fatal brain infection caused by the single-celled living organism (amoeba), Naegleria fowleri, which is commonly found in warm freshwater environments, such as rivers, lakes, hot springs, swimming pools, contaminated drinking water, water heaters, and soil. Naegleria fowleri is also popularly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” This amoeba infects humans through the nose, and then travels to the brain wherein it causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and the tissues that surround it and the spinal cord ).
What are the symptoms of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis?
Symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis occur within 1 to 9 days after infection and can be similar to bacterial meningitis. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms may include stiff neck, mental confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, and seizures. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is usually fatal within 3 to 7 days.
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What are the current treatments for Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis?
Treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is still mostly undefined, as most all individuals infected with Naegleria fowleri have died within days. However, two patients recently infected Naegleria fowleri survived after treatment with the drug, miltefosine, which was administered in combination with other drugs and treatments for the brain swelling associated with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Who are the top Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Local Doctors?
Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Dr. Terrie E. Taylor
Internal Medicine
Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Dr. Terrie E. Taylor
Internal Medicine
East Lansing, MI 
517-353-8975
Languages Spoken:
English

Terrie Taylor is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Taylor is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. Her top areas of expertise are Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, Malaria, Sepsis, and Increased Intracranial Pressure.

Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Dr. Chandy C. John
Pediatric Infectious Disease
Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Dr. Chandy C. John
Pediatric Infectious Disease
1044 W Walnut St, R4 402d, 
Indianapolis, IN 
317-274-8940
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Chandy John is a Pediatric Infectious Disease provider in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. John is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. His top areas of expertise are Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, Malaria, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Bacterial Meningitis. Dr. John is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Robert O. Opoka
Elite in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Robert O. Opoka
Upper Mulago Hill Road, 
Kampala, C, UG 

Robert Opoka practices in Kampala, Uganda. Mr. Opoka is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. His top areas of expertise are Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, Malaria, Anemia, and Sickle Cell Disease.

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What are the latest Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Clinical Trials?
DON in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria: A Phase I/IIa Dose-Escalation Safety Study
DON in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria: A Phase I/IIa Dose-Escalation Safety Study
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: July 31, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety of a single intravenous dose of DON in healthy adults, adults with uncomplicated malaria, and children 12 months-14 years old with clinically defined Cerebral Malaria. The main objectives are: * Determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a single dose of DON in children with CM * Determine if administration of a single intravenous dose o...

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Single-Use Antimalarial Monoclonal Antibodies for Post-Discharge Malaria Prevention in Children With Severe Anaemia or Severe Malaria in Kenya: A Multi-Centre, Parallel-Group, Two-Arm Randomised Placebo-Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial
Single-Use Antimalarial Monoclonal Antibodies for Post-Discharge Malaria Prevention in Children With Severe Anaemia or Severe Malaria in Kenya: A Multi-Centre, Parallel-Group, Two-Arm Randomised Placebo-Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: July 24, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug, Biological
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: Background and rationale: Hospitalised children with severe anaemia remain at high risk of dying or requiring hospital readmission for at least 6 months after discharge. In highly malaria-endemic settings, malaria is a major contributor to these post-discharge readmissions and deaths. In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) for childre...

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