Lockey M W
Laryngoscope. 1978 Mar;88(3):484-503. doi: 10.1288/00005537-197803000-00012.
As a serendipitous by-product of polio virus research, a highly fatal amoebic meningoencephalitis was recognized in animals. The causative microorganisms, contaminants of the viral cultures, were identified as small soil amoebae. These organisms, previously considered non-pathogenic, are prevalent throughout the world. Based on animal studies, the original investigators suggested the possibility of a similar disease in humans. Seven years later, human cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis were reported from widely separated areas of the world. Since 1965, a total of 79 cases have been reported. The literature of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is presented. The history of the discovery and elucidation of this disease is reviewed. The 79 cases reported in the world literature are divided into two groups, those diagnosed retrospectively after reviewing previous deaths from meningoencephalitis, and those diagnosed at the time of the illness. The classification, morphology, pathogenicity, virulence and distribution of pathogenic soil amoebae are reviewed. The presenting clinical findings, diagnostic procedures, pathology, and management of this recently recognized, highly fatal, human disease is presented along with a report of a new case. Otolaryngologists should become familiar with this serious disorder with a transnasal portal of entry.
作为脊髓灰质炎病毒研究的一个意外副产品，一种在动物中被发现的高度致命的阿米巴脑膜脑炎被识别出来。致病微生物是病毒培养物的污染物，被鉴定为小型土壤阿米巴。这些以前被认为无致病性的生物体在世界各地都很普遍。基于动物研究，最初的研究人员提出了人类中存在类似疾病的可能性。七年后，世界上相距遥远的地区都报告了人类阿米巴脑膜脑炎病例。自1965年以来，总共报告了79例。本文介绍了原发性阿米巴脑膜脑炎的文献。回顾了这种疾病的发现和阐明过程。世界文献中报告的79例病例分为两组，一组是在回顾既往脑膜脑炎死亡病例后进行回顾性诊断的，另一组是在疾病发生时诊断的。本文回顾了致病性土壤阿米巴的分类、形态、致病性、毒力和分布。本文介绍了这种最近被认识到的、高度致命的人类疾病的临床表现、诊断方法、病理学和治疗方法，并报告了一例新病例。耳鼻喉科医生应该熟悉这种通过鼻途径进入人体的严重疾病。
