Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis laboratory tests

Overview
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis is a central nervous system disease caused by certain species of amoeba, especially Balamuthia mandrillaris.

Lab tests
Balamuthia Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord caused by Balamuthia[1,2,3,4]. GAE is often diagnosed only after death. However, it can be diagnosed by examining blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue samples from a living patient as well. Diagnosis of GAE in a living patient is less common because the amebas are difficult to identify under the microscope, even with commonly used stains[5].

However, there are three types of tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of GAE. The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a test used to detect antibodies attached to Balamuthia amebas in body tissues. In contrast, immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses specific antibodies against Balamuthia to detect the amebas. Finally, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular assay can detect Balamuthia DNA[5].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers diagnostic assistance for Balamuthia to physicians and scientists through DPDx.