Cyst of Balamuthia mandrillaris in brain tissue.
The symptoms of Balamuthia infection can begin with a skin wound on the face, chest, torso, arms, or legs. If the infection involves the brain, the disease it causes is called granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) 5,6. 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
The disease might appear mild at first but can become more severe over weeks to several months 6,7. Often the disease is fatal 7, with a death rate of more than 89% 1. Overall, the outlook for people who get this disease is poor, although early diagnosis and treatment may increase the chances for survival 1.