Comparison of Usefulness of Laboratory Diagnosis in Ancanthamoeba Keratitis

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.