What is Culture for Acanthamoeba?

Acanthamoeba is ubiquitous, free-living, microscopic amebae that cause rare, but severe, infections of the eye, skin, lungs, and central nervous system (CNS). They are found worldwide in water and soil and may enter the body through inhalation, contamination of wounds, and contact lens use. As many as 24 species comprising 18 genotypes (T1-T18) have been described, although most human infections are due to genotype T4. Given their widespread distribution in the environment, many people will be exposed to Acanthamoeba during their lifetime, but very few will become sick from this exposure.

The most common form of Acanthamoeba infection is amebic keratitis (AK). Infection occurs primarily in contact lens wearers due to contamination of lenses, cleaning solutions, or storage cases. Amebae can also enter the cornea following trauma. AK is a painful, subacute corneal infection associated with extensive scarring and blindness if untreated. Cases generally respond to treatment but relapse is common. Compared to corneal infection, involvement of the CNS is rare and seen primarily in severely immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients and patients with AIDS. CNS infection may also be caused by a related ameba, Balamuthia mandrillaris.

AK is usually clinically suspected based on symptoms and confocal ophthalmologic examination. Confirmation of infection is classically identified by microscopic examination and culture of corneal tissue and contact lenses or equipment using tap water agar plate overlain with bacteria as a food source for the amebae. Unfortunately, it must be held and examined for 7 days for maximum sensitivity. A polymerase chain reaction assay provides a more rapid result with similar sensitivity to culture and is, therefore, the preferred method for confirming the clinical diagnosis of AK.

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of Acanthamoeba species DNA and is consistent with active or recent infection. While positive results are highly specific indicators of disease, they should be correlated with symptoms, clinical findings, and confocal ophthalmologic examination.

Cautions

While this assay is designed to detect symptomatic infection with Acanthamoeba species, the widespread distribution of these free-living microscopic amebae in the environment may contaminate inanimate objects such as contact lenses and cases. Thus, it should be used for patients with a clinical history and ocular symptoms consistent with amebic keratitis.

Inadequate specimen collection or improper storage may invalidate test results.

Acanthamoeba species DNA may be detectable for an unknown period of time after adequate treatment.