Confirmation of Confocal Microscopy Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis Using Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis

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Abstract
ACANTHAMOEBA HAS been increasingly recognized as an ocular surface pathogen since Acanthamoeba keratitis was first diagnosed in 1974.1 Originally associated primarily with contact lens usage, more recent data indicate that many cases are associated with other predisposing conditions.2-5 It is frequently difficult to identify Acanthamoeba on the ocular surface since the presentation can mimic herpetic keratitis or bacterial keratitis.4,6-8 This diagnostic confusion has often led to delays in making the diagnosis and, consequently, increased severity of Acanthamoeba keratitis when detected.5,9-12Acanthamoeba may also be present concurrently as an opportunistic organism, particularly in patients with herpetic keratitis.6,13