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

Prepare for the Clinical Laboratory Science Bacteriology Test. Engage with multiple choice questions and flashcards with helpful hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

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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