Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia species PCR
General Information
Lab Name
Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia species PCR
Lab Code
AMBPCR
Epic Name
Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia species PCR
Description
Detection and identification of Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia species DNA.
Free living amoeba of the Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia families are opportunistic protozoans that are widely distributed in the environment and are well recognized to produce serious human infections, including cutaneous infections, keratitis, and encephalitis. Although these infections are relatively rare, they can incur significant morbidity and mortality.
PCR has emerged as a key tool in diagnosing disease caused by these organisms, and has been shown to outperform conventional tests in terms of turnaround times, sensitivity, and specificity (1,2).
Our broad range PCR assay offers highly sensitive molecular identification of Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia species, having a limit of detection of a single organism per reaction. Uniquely, our broad-range test provides clinical diagnosis of infections caused by either of those genera using a single test.
References
1. K. Khairnar, G.S. Tamber, F. Ralevski, D.R. Pillai Comparison of molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of Acanthamoeba spp. from clinical specimens submitted for keratitis.
Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 70 (2011), pp. 499-506
Synonyms
18S PCR, Acanthamoeba PCR, Amoeba PCR, Balamuthia PCR, parasite identification, protozoan identification
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| AB18RS | Amoeba PCR: Detection, 18S rDNA |
| AB18ID | Amoeba PCR: Identification, 18S rDNA |
| AMBSI | Amoeba PCR: Specimen Description |
| AMBSPI | Amoeba PCR: External Identifier |
| AMBSR | Amoeba PCR: Special Requests |
| AMBSC | Amoeba PCR: Specimen Comments |
| AMBNAE | Amoeba PCR: Specimen DNA Extraction |
| AMBREV | Amoeba PCR: Pathologist Review |
| AMBME | Amoeba PCR: Method Note |
Interpretation
Method
DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing
Reference Range
See individual components
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
Shipping/Handling
- Fresh frozen tissue/fluid specimens should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers and be submitted and maintained on dry ice.
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET) can be sent ambient or with ice packs during warmer summer months to prevent melting.
Acceptable Specimens
- Fresh frozen tissue
- Fresh frozen fluid: any body fluid is acceptable if it is not listed under Unacceptable Specimens.
- Common examples include: cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, urine, bronchial lavage, joint fluid, bone marrow, vitreous fluid, etc.
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET): blocks, scrolls, and unstained slides
- Sputum: acceptable - except for Bacterial PCR reflex NGS [BCTDNA]/Bacterial DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRBDNA], Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA]/Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRFDNA], and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria DNA Detection [NTMDNA]* assays
- eSwabs**, UTM (universal transport media), body fluid/bone marrow in EDTA (not including blood)
- Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS, Wampole Isolator Tubes) acceptable with disclaimer
*Mycobacterium avium complex DNA Detection [MAVDNA] can be ordered on sputum
**Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA] and Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRFDNA] may have interference due to some lots of eSwabs which have been found to contain Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA, resulting in false positive detection. Clinical correlation and/or retesting with a different collection method is advised. The detection of S. cerevisiae from eSwab specimens can interfere with our ability to rule out other fungal DNA.
Unacceptable Specimens
- Blood, serum, plasma, stool/rectal swabs
- No citrated or heparinized solutions
- Tissues floating in formalin
- Swab/fluid collected in tube containing agar
Optimal Quantity:
- Fresh Tissue: 0.3-1.0 cm^3
- Fluid: 0.2-1 mL
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue (FFPE/PET): blocks are preferred and will be sent back to client upon completion of testing
- Scrolls/unstained slides: cross-sectional area >1cm^2 send 10 sections of 10µm thickness, if <1cm^2 send 20 sections if available
Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.
Forms & Requisitions
Molecular Microbiology Order Form
Handling Instructions
Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
Quantity
requested: See "Collection" for Optimal Quantity
minimum: Specimens below optimal quantity are acceptable for testing, however, diagnostic yield is generally proportional to specimen size.
Processing
UWMC/HMC: Store and send fresh tissue/fluid specimens refrigerated, if specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C. Freeze all fresh tissue/fluid specimens at -20°C upon arrival in UW Molecular Microbiology.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Micro Molecular Diag (MMD)
Performing Location(s)
| UW-MT |
Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
206-520-4600 ---------------------------------------- Shipping Address Attn: Molecular Microbiology Performing Lab Address Clinical Microbiology Lab, NW177 |
Contact Information Please e-mail us with any questions or comments you may have. Your inquiry will be answered as soon as possible. email: molmicdx@uw.edu The Molecular Microbiology lab is open from Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm PDT. Billing inquiries and requests for faxed reports can be made to our Client Services Department at (206) 520-4600 or (800) 713-5198. For results or other inquiries, we can be reached by phone at the following numbers:
For assistance during weekends, holidays and after hours, please contact Lab Medicine Resident at (206) 598-6190 |
|---|
Frequency
Fresh frozen tissues/fluids result in 2-3 business days after receipt of specimen. Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues result in 3-4 business days after receipt of specimen.
Available STAT?
No