Next-generation sequencing specifies Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in infants

Abstract

RATIONALE: Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (AEM) in infants is a very rare but fatal disease. Utilization of genetic assay to detect the cerebral parasite plays an important role for the treatment of the infection. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two infants (<2 years) presented with cough, intermittent fever, mental fatigue, and poor diet. DIAGNOSIS: The patients were under clinical examination and laboratory test including cardiac ultrasound, chest X-ray, blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counting, serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) on DNA from CSF. Due to hypereosinophils in patients' peripheral blood and CSF, and abundant DNA sequences from A cantonensis in CSF, the patients were diagnosed with Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were treated with albendazole to deworm, and methylprednisolone to reduce inflammation. OUTCOME: The patients were completely recovered from AEM without relapse after 10-day treatment. LESSONS: ELISA and MRI are not sufficiently accurate for the diagnosis of AEM in infants. NGS can specify the infection by the cerebral parasite and offers a new effective approach for the early and precise diagnosis of AEM in infants.