A clinical case of meningoencephalitis caused by achlorophyllum aquaticum Prototeca spp.
https://doi.org/10.22625/2072-6732-2025-17-1-136-142
Abstract
Protothecosis is a rare infectious disease caused by non-photosynthetic algae belonging to the genus Prototheca. Its clinical manifestations may be acute or chronic, localized or generalized. In humans, protothecosis is a rare and, in severe cases, highly lethal disease. Protothecosis manifests as three syndromes: skin or soft tissue infection, ulnar bursitis, or disseminated infection, including lesions of the brain membranes and substance (meningoencephalitis).
The diagnosis is made on the basis of histologic examination of biopsy material and microbiologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid and affected tissues. In this paper we consider a clinical case of meningoencephalitis caused by the pathogen Prototheca spp. Current literature sources, case history, and data of laboratory examinations of the patient were analyzed.
The accumulation of information about this disease, its epidemiologic and clinical features, and identification possibilities will contribute to the verification of the diagnosis, reduction of lethal outcomes, including in patients with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency states.
About the Authors
E. V. Tokareva
Penza Regional Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko; Penza Institute for Further Training of Physicians – Branch Campus of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
T. A. Druzhinina
Penza Institute for Further Training of Physicians – Branch Campus of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
O. A. Levashova
Penza Institute for Further Training of Physicians – Branch Campus of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
R. V. Rybas
Penza Regional Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
E. V. Mozharova
Penza Regional Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
Yu. S. Yurmasheva
Penza Regional Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
A. S. Sysoeva
Penza Institute for Further Training of Physicians – Branch Campus of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Penza
Competing Interests:
None
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Review
For citations:
Tokareva E.V., Druzhinina T.A., Levashova O.A., Rybas R.V., Mozharova E.V., Yurmasheva Yu.S., Sysoeva A.S. A clinical case of meningoencephalitis caused by achlorophyllum aquaticum Prototeca spp.. Journal Infectology. 2025;17(1):136-142. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22625/2072-6732-2025-17-1-136-142
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