The symptoms of Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) vary depending on the infecting ameba:
Balamuthia mandrillaris infection is very rare and serious, with a death rate of more than 89%. The disease might appear mild at first but can become more severe over weeks to several months. Early diagnosis and treatment may increase the chances of survival.
Disease begins with a skin wound and can then travel to the brain causing GAE. Diagnosis of Balamuthia GAE can be difficult, but some early symptoms might include:
- Headaches
- Stiff neck or head and neck pain with neck movement
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy (tiredness)
- Low-grade fever
Other signs of Balamuthia GAE might include:
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
- Weight loss
- Partial paralysis
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
- Difficulty walking
Acanthamoeba species: This is a serious, most often deadly, infection of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms progress over several weeks and death usually occurs.
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Lack of attention
- Loss of balance and bodily control
- Seizures
- Hallucination
Sappinia species: There is only one known case of Sappinia encephalitis in a human. A scan of the one known infected patient’s brain revealed a 2-centimeter tumor-like mass on the back left section of the brain. Symptoms of Sappinia infection may include:
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Loss of consciousness
Some groups have a higher risk of infection or disease:
- Balamuthia infection can occur in anyone.
- GAE caused by Acanthamoeba occurs more frequently in people with compromised immune systems or those who are chronically ill.
- Amebic encephalitis caused by Sappinia
can infect anyone. However, individuals with weakened immune systems and people who have contact with animal feces are at a higher risk for infection.