Unit Code 80401:
Acanthamoeba/Naegleria species, Corneal Scrapings or Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba species and Naegleria species in the
central nervous system or eye
Clinical Information
These amoeba are free-living organisms which are found in soil
and water in the environment. Amoeba contaminating contact lens
storage or cleaning solutions can invade the cornea, especially if
abrasions are present, causing keratitis.
The keratitis may be very painful and can cause blindness. It,
fortunately, may respond to treatment once a firm diagnosis is
made. In some cases, treatment is unsatisfactory since there are
no antimicrobials uniformly active against these organisms. Amoeba
contaminating water in swimming pools or "holes" can be aspirated
and produce meningitis and encephalitis.
Reference Values
EYE
Negative for Acanthamoeba species
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Negative for Acanthamoeba/Naegleria species
Interpretation
Organisms seen on stains of original specimen smear and/or
growth on culture media are positive tests.
Cautions
Submission of slides without culture material is not recommended.
Clinical Reference
1. Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with contact lenses-United States.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1986;35:405-408
2. Simon MW, Wilson HD: The amebic meningoencephalitides.
Pediatr Infect Dis 1986;5:562-569
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