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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Initial signs and symptoms of naegleria infection can resemble those of bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a different type of infection and inflammation of your brain and spinal cord. This similarity can make it difficult to confirm a diagnosis of naegleria infection. Your doctor may do a number of tests, such as blood tests and imaging tests of your brain, to help rule out other possible causes.
Your doctor will likely perform a lumbar puncture to look for amoebas. During a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, you typically lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Then a needle is inserted into your spinal canal — in your lower back — to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing. CSF is the fluid that protects your brain and spinal cord from injury. Your doctor may not find amoebas in the collected fluid, but this test may also help your doctor rule out other causes.
