Balamuthia mandrillaris: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction: Balamuthia mandrillaris is known to cause a fatal infection of the central nervous system termed granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Cases of GAE by B. mandrillaris are usually fatal indicating the inefficacy of currently available regimens used to treat the disease and the virulent nature of the amoebae. Areas covered: This review discusses the current treatment options, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of Balamuthia mandrillaris. In this regard, a PubMed search using pathogenesis, treatment, and diagnosis, combined with B. mandrillaris as keywords, was performed. In addition, conference proceedings, and discussions in Free-Living-Amoebae meetings over the past 20 years were reviewed. Expert opinion: Despite the current treatment and diagnostic options, the mortality rates due to B. mandrillaris infections remain alarmingly high. The actual number of GAE cases due to B. mandrillaris are much higher than the currently reported number. Information on the pathogenesis of the amoebae is limited, highlighting the need for further studies on the pathogenesis of B. mandrillaris. This would provide useful information to improve both diagnostic and treatment options. Similarly, new molecules that are targeted toward B. mandrillaris and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier should be established. Theranostics may be the way forward for the treatment of B. mandrillaris.