Unit Code 80401:
Acanthamoeba/Naegleria species, Corneal Scrapings or Spinal Fluid
Method Description
Direct wet preps of the spinal fluid and trichrome-stained smears of the
corneal scrapings (if slides are submitted) are examined microscopically.
In addition, the specimens are cultured on non nutrient agar plates
prepared using tap water. These plates are also inoculated with the
bacterium, Escherichia coli. Coincubation with bacteria enhances the
growth of these amoebae which usually occurs after 2 to 4 days of
incubation at ambient temperature. The agar surface is examined
microscopically for the presence of amoeba. Submission of slides
without material for culture is often unproductive and is not recommended.
(Ma P, Visvesvara GS, Martinez AJ, et al: Naegleria and acanthamoeba
infections. Rev Infect Dis 1990;12:490-513)
Performing Laboratory Location
Rochester
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