MANAGEMENT AND THERAPY

Unfortunately, there is no known effective therapy for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The drug that has been shown to be most clinically effective if given at a very early stage of infection is Amphotericin B. Studies of mice have suggested that the addition of rifampin and/or tetracyclin may improve clinical outcome.

Five of the six known survivors were treated with Amphotoreicin B; the other survivor was treated with a combination of miconazole, rifampin and sulfisoxazole.

About Amphotericin B

Amphotericin B desoxycholate is a polyene antibiotic that binds to sterols on the plasma cell membrane of the fungus, killing the organism by causing cell leakage. It is typically delivered intravenously (1-.5mg/kg/d) or intrathecally (1-1.5mg/d).

The drug has significant toxicity. Common side effects include fever and chills. Patients should be monitored for renal function, liver function, electrolyte levels, and hemoglobin concentrations.