Abstract
Objectives: Pathogenic free-living amebae (FLAs) cause skin, ocular, and central nervous system (CNS) infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of FLA infections by pathologic examination of tissue sections can be aided using molecular assays. This study investigated the performance characteristics of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (FLA-PCR) for detection and differentiation of FLAs in clinical specimens. Methods: FLA-PCR was performed on 39 human specimens comprising one cutaneous, 14 corneal, and 24 CNS formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues with a histopathologic diagnosis of FLA infection and four CNS FFPE tissues with inflammation but no evidence of FLAs. In addition, clinical specificity and assay limit of detection were determined. Results: FLA detection sensitivities ranged from 79% to 84% in FFPE tissues. No cross-reactivity was observed. Conclusions: While sensitivity is limited, FLA-PCR assay may serve as a useful adjunct for detection or confirmation of FLA infections in FFPE tissues.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 799-807 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | American journal of clinical pathology |
Volume | 152 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 4 2019 |
Keywords
- Ameba
- Amebae
- Amebic
- Free-living ameba
- Granulomatous amebic encephalitis
- Primary amebic meningoencephalitis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine