Comparison of Usefulness of Laboratory Diagnosis in Ancanthamoeba Keratitis.
- Author:
Tae Won HAHN
1
;
Young Ho HAHN
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Kangnam St. Mary`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Acanthamoeba Keratitis;
Acridine orange stain;
Gram stain;
Nonnutrient agar
- MeSH:
Acanthamoeba;
Acanthamoeba Keratitis;
Agar;
Clinical Laboratory Techniques*;
Coloring Agents;
Diagnosis;
Humans;
Keratitis*
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
1998;39(10):2218-2225
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Laboratory diagnostic methods, applied for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, were evaluated for their usefulness in 16 patients of suspicious Acanthamoeba keratitis. Wet smear, Acridine orange(AO) stain, Gram stain and culture on nonnuturent agar plate were routinely used in all patients, and among them, and used saline of 7 contact lens not ideal for the corneal scraping specimens. AO and Gram stains were very useful in the identification of acanthamoeba, and culture on nonnutrient agar plates was essential to confirm this infection. Light and electron microscopic examinations were also useful in patients with negative results of ordinary diagnostic techniques. Suspicion of Acanthamoeba infection in patients that are recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment or related to contact lens wear, is the mont important step for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. And also examination of corneal specimens by experienced observer is prerequisite for the accurate diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
