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Acanthamoeba/Naegleria Culture
Test Code23086
CPT Codes
87081
Preferred Specimen
1 mL CSF collected in a CSF collection tube, or
3 mm biopsy, scraping, or equivalent tissue from brain, lung, cornea, or lesion collected in a sterile container with 2 mL sterile saline, or
1 sterile swab of conjunctiva/corneal ulcer collected in a sterile container with 2 mL sterile saline, or
2 contact lenses suspended in 2 mL lens care solution from an open container (already in use by patient) or in 2 mL sterile saline collected in a sterile, leak-proof container
3 mm biopsy, scraping, or equivalent tissue from brain, lung, cornea, or lesion collected in a sterile container with 2 mL sterile saline, or
1 sterile swab of conjunctiva/corneal ulcer collected in a sterile container with 2 mL sterile saline, or
2 contact lenses suspended in 2 mL lens care solution from an open container (already in use by patient) or in 2 mL sterile saline collected in a sterile, leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL CSF or 1 contact lens
Other Acceptable Specimens
2 mL lens care solution from an open container (already in use by patient)
Instructions
All specimens should be collected aseptically and held at room temperature (20-25°C). Do not freeze or refrigerate specimens. Do not dilute CSF or Contact Lens Solution with sterile saline.
Stability Limitations: For optimum recovery of organisms, sample should arrive in Chantilly Monday through Thursday a.m. as soon as possible after collection.
Stability Limitations: For optimum recovery of organisms, sample should arrive in Chantilly Monday through Thursday a.m. as soon as possible after collection.
Transport Container
Sterile Container, leak-proof
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Liver fluid • Slides • Swabs in bacterial or viral transport medium
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 11-12 days
Reference Range
Not isolated
Clinical Significance
Small free-living amebae belonging to the genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria have been identified as agents of human disease, causing infections of the central nervous system, cornea, lungs, and skin. These amebae are commonly found in soil, fresh water, sewage, and sludge. Acanthamoeba spp. are known to cause a chronic granulomatous amoebic encephalitis as well as a painful vision- threatening keratitis. Naegleria fowleri is implicated in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, an acute fulminating disease that is often fatal. This test is for culture of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria only. For detection of intestinal amebae, such as Entamoeba histolytica, please request, Ova and Parasites, Concentrate and Permanent Smear CPT 87177.
