Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis By Chelsea Marie, PhD, University of Virginia; William A Petri, Jr, MD, PhD, University of Virginia School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Dec 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points More Information Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is a rare, usually fatal, acute central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.