The first association of a primary amebic meningoencephalitis death with culturable Naegleria fowleri in tap water from a US treated public drinking water system.
Clin Infect Dis
; 60(8): e36-42, 2015 Apr 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25595746
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Naegleria fowleri is a climate-sensitive, thermophilic ameba found in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost universally fatal, occurs when N. fowleri-containing water enters the nose, typically during swimming, and migrates to the brain via the olfactory nerve. In August 2013, a 4-year-old boy died of meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in a Louisiana hospital.METHODS:
Clinical and environmental testing and a case investigation were initiated to determine the cause of death and to identify potential exposures.RESULTS:
Based on testing of cerebrospinal fluid and brain specimens, the child was diagnosed with PAM. His only reported water exposure was tap water; in particular, tap water that was used to supply water to a lawn water slide on which the child had played extensively prior to becoming ill. Water samples were collected from both the home and the water distribution system that supplied the home and tested; N. fowleri was identified in water samples from both the home and the water distribution system.CONCLUSIONS:
This case is the first reported PAM death associated with culturable N. fowleri in tap water from a US treated drinking water system. This case occurred in the context of an expanding geographic range for PAM beyond southern states, with recent case reports from Minnesota, Kansas, and Indiana. This case also highlights the role of adequate disinfection throughout drinking water distribution systems and the importance of maintaining vigilance when operating drinking water systems using source waters with elevated temperatures.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Agua Potable
/
Naegleria fowleri
/
Infecciones Protozoarias del Sistema Nervioso Central
/
Amebiasis
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Infect Dis
Asunto de la revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Año:
2015
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Georgia