Acanthamoeba/Naegleria species, Corneal Scrapings or Spinal Fluid

CPT CODE:

  • 87081

USEFUL FOR:

Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba species and Naegleria species in thecentral nervous system or eye

SPECIMEN REQUIRED:

The preferred specimens for Acanthamoeba cultureare corneal scraping and biopsy. Swabs are suboptimaland may result in a falsely negative result.  Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Central Nervous System Tissue, Contact Lens, Corneal Scrapings, or Corneal TissuePlace lens, scrapings, or tissue in 1 mL of sterile saline or minimalessential medium.Note:    1.    Specimen source is required on request form for                      processing.                  2. If ordering electronically, no form is required with the                       specimen. If not ordering electronically, please complete                       and submit a "Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244)                       with the specimen.                   Contact Lens SolutionSubmit at least 1 mL of contact lens solution in a screw-capped,sterile container. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.Note:    1.    Specimen source is required on request form for                      processing.                  2. If ordering electronically, no form is required with the                       specimen. If not ordering electronically, please complete                       and submit a "Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244)                       with the specimen.                   Spinal Fluid1 mL of spinal fluid.Note:    1.    Specimen source is required on request form for                      processing.                  2. If ordering electronically, no form is required with the                       specimen. If not ordering electronically, please complete                       and submit a "Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244)                       with the specimen.

TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE:

Ambient\Refrig NO\Frozen NO

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.

CLINICAL INTERPRETATION:

Organisms seen on stains of original specimen smear and/or growth on culture media are positive tests.

REFERENCE VALUES:

EYE

      Negative for Acanthamoeba species

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

      Negative for Acanthamoeba/Naegleria species