Diagnosis & Detection

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.