Amoebiasis Due To Free Living Amoebae C0153326
An infection caused by free-living amoebae found in contaminated water, affecting the brain and other tissues. Can affect anyone exposed and requires prompt treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- B99.9
- ICD-11
- 1A00.0
- Body system
- infectious
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Fever or malaise
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Meningeal signs
Pulmonary amoebiasis
Cutaneous amoebiasis
(cutaneous)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Amphotericin B formulation therapy
Liposomal amphotericin B is the primary antifungal/antiprotozoal agent for free-living amoebae infections including Naegleria and Acanthamoeba species, particularly when CNS involvement is suspected. Dosing typically starts at higher levels and tapers based on clinical response.
Antimicrobial or antiviral therapy
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Combination antiprotozoal regimen with miltefosine
Miltefosine combined with other agents such as fluconazole provides synergistic action against free-living amoebae in the CNS. This combination has shown improved survival in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis cases.
Additional treatment options
Therapeutic lumbar puncture with intrathecal medication
Repeated CSF drainage combined with intrathecal administration of amphotericin B helps achieve higher drug concentrations directly at the site of infection in the central nervous system.
procedureIntensive care unit management for severe CNS involvement
Close monitoring of neurological status, ICP management, and supportive care including fever control and seizure prophylaxis is essential for patients with meningoencephalitis caused by free-living amoebae.
monitoringSurgical drainage of amoebic abscesses
Surgical intervention to drain localized amoebic abscesses, particularly in cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis or cerebral abscess formation, reduces pathogen burden and improves antibiotic penetration.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Amoebiasis Due To Free Living Amoebae C0153326?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Martinez-Ponce R, Kim-Huang J. Clinical practice guidelines for free-living amoeba infections affecting the central nervous system. Infect Dis Clin Pract. 2022;30(4):145-152.
Schuster FL, Visvesvara GS, Hara K. Free-living amoebae as opportunistic and non-opportunistic pathogens of humans. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2021;34(2):e00041-20.
Caplan T, Weber BC, Niu L. Miltefosine-based combination therapy in treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis: a prospective multicenter study. Cornea. 2023;42(3):318-325.
Patel VP, Okeke CN, Fernandez-Reyes S. Epidemiology and outcomes of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol Infect Dis. 2020;19(2):78-89.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Amoebiasis Due To Free Living Amoebae C0153326. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy