A free-living ameba that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis is which species?

Prepare for the Clinical Laboratory Science Bacteriology exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations for each query. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

A free-living ameba that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis is which species?

Explanation:
Naegleria fowleri is the organism responsible for primary amebic meningoencephalitis. It is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater, and infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to migrate to the brain and cause rapid, often fatal inflammation. The other listed amoebae are associated with gastrointestinal disease (Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica) or are nonpathogenic (Entamoeba coli) and do not cause PAM. So, Naegleria fowleri best fits the scenario.

Naegleria fowleri is the organism responsible for primary amebic meningoencephalitis. It is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater, and infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to migrate to the brain and cause rapid, often fatal inflammation. The other listed amoebae are associated with gastrointestinal disease (Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica) or are nonpathogenic (Entamoeba coli) and do not cause PAM. So, Naegleria fowleri best fits the scenario.

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