Comparison of Validated Polymerase Chain Reaction and Culture Isolation for the Routine Detection of Acanthamoeba From Ocular Samples

Abstract

There is no clear advantage of PCR over culture isolation for detecting Acanthamoeba in ocular specimens. Other pathogens such as bacteria, fungus, and virus must still be considered in severe persistent keratitis. Polymerase chain reaction seems to be a complementary test for the clinical support of Acanthamoeba keratitis.