Welcome to the Exeter Clinical Laboratory International website
NHS logo

Acanthamoeba PCR & Culture

Microbiology


Summary

Nucleic acid amplification assay (PCR) for the detection of Acanthamoeba DNA, the reference laboratory will also attempt to culture for Acanthamoeba.

Usage

To aid in the diagnosis of  Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is made based on the clinical picture and the detection of Acanthamoeba DNA from corneal scrapes or contact lenses.

Background

Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare but serious infection of the cornea of the eye caused by Acanthamoeba that if left untreated can lead to vision loss and/or blindness.

Acanthamoeba are a type of microscopic single-celled organism known as amoeba, which can be found widely in the environment (e.g. bodies of water (rivers, lakes, oceans, pools & hot tubs) as well as domestic tap water and soil.

Specimen

Contact lens and /or wash fluids.

Scalpel blades from corneal scrapes / needles & biopsies.

Specimen Container

Sterile container, e.g. white top universal pot (see picture)

Special Instructions

Dry samples (i.e. samples other than contact lens fluid) should be covered in approximately 200ul of sterile saline.

Availability

Sent to reference laboratory – Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Turnaround Time

Up to 7 working days once received at the reference laboratory.

Urgent Specimen Instructions

Please contact the microbiology laboratory.

Useful Links

Ophthalmology (West of England Eye Unit)

For Patients:

Acanthamoeba Keratitis – Fight for Sight

For Healthcare professionals:

Acanthamoeba Keratitis – The College of Optometrists

Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory – User Handbook

Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory- Acanthamoeba Referral Form

Specimen Labelling Procedure
University of Exeter logo
UKAS Medical logo

9018

Royal Devon University Healthcare logo