Acanthamoeba rhinosinusitis: characterization, diagnosis, and treatment

Am J Rhinol. 2000 Nov-Dec;14(6):387-91. doi: 10.2500/105065800779954293.

Abstract

Nasal and paranasal sinus manifestations are among the most common presentations of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Several studies cite that as many as 70% of patients with this disease have symptoms referable to the head and neck, including a 30% prevalence of sinusitis. Although the bacteriology of sinusitis in this population is largely considered comparable to that of immunocompetent patients, several opportunistic pathogens have been identified, particularly when T-cell counts are low. This report identifies Acanthamoeba as a potentially fatal cause of rhinosinusitis in immunosuppressed patients. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare entity will be discussed and the literature reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Amebiasis / diagnosis*
  • Amebiasis / pathology
  • Amebiasis / surgery*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Care
  • Rhinitis / complications*
  • Rhinitis / parasitology*
  • Sinusitis / complications*
  • Sinusitis / parasitology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antiprotozoal Agents