Validation and Implementation of Free-living amoeba multiplex real-time PCR

Free-living amoebas of genus Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia and Naegleria are known to be causal agents of rare diseases in humans. The most common disease, Acanthamoeba keratitis, is inflammation of the cornea via infection with Acanthamoeba. We validated a real-time multiplex PCR for the detection of Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri to supplement existing culture methods, which in contrast have lower sensitivity and long incubation times. The implementation of this molecular assay provides additional diagnostic sensitivity, enhanced surveillance, and improved turnaround time for the detection these free-living amoebas. TEAM Dylan Chow, Martin Cheung, Muhammad Morshed, Catherine Hogan

BC CDC Presenters

10/18/2021 2:35:00 PM