title: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, Karachi, Pakistan.
abstract: We report 13 cases of Naegleria fowleri primary amebic meningoencephalitis in persons in Karachi, Pakistan, who had no history of aquatic activities. Infection likely occurred through ablution with tap water. An increase in primary amebic meningoencephalitis cases may be attributed to rising temperatures, reduced levels of chlorine in potable water, or deteriorating water distribution systems.
authors.affiliation: Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sadia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shakoor
authors.forename: Mohammad Asim
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Beg
authors.forename: Syed Faisal
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bandea
authors.forename: Rama
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sriram
authors.forename: Fatima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Noman
authors.forename: Farheen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Govinda S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Visvesvara
authors.forename: Afia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zafar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000562:Amebiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D020808:Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000469:parasitology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016848:Naegleria fowleri / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014881:Water Supply; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016054:DNA, Protozoan