- Real-Time PCR assay for Acanthamoeba detection and internal positive DNA control (both amplification and extraction of parasite DNA).
- Target for internal DNA positive control
- DNA reaction mixture
- Nuclease-free water
- Acanthamoeba positive control
The ParoReal Acanthamoeba T4 kit is a CE IVD marked real-time PCR assay for quantitative detection of DNA (18S rRNA gene) of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 species (A. castellani, A. lugdunensis, A. mauritaniensis, A. polyphaga, A. rhysodes, A. royreba). Appropriate samples are DNA extracts from human clinical specimens associated with ocular keratitis (eye swabs, corneal biopsies, corneal scrapings) as well as contact lenses and contact lens solution.
Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan in natural habitats, but it is also an etiologic agent in humans and animals.
Acanthamoeba infestation is associated with contact lens keratitis, which in addition to being a visual hazard, can lead to severe infections of other organs and the usually fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
There are more than 20 known species of Acanthamoeba that are classified into three morphological groups:(Group I, II and III) and 22 genotypes (T1-T22).
Some species: (A. castellanii (T4), A. lugdunensis (T4), A. polyphaga (T4), A. rhysodes (T4), A. quina (T4), A. palestinensis (T2), A. griffinii (T3), A. lenticulata (T5), A. astronyxis (T7), A. culbertsoni (T10), A. hatchetti (T11), A. healyii (T12), A. byersi (T18), A. divionensis) have recently been associated with disease. The T4 genotype has been considered the most important genotype in both ocular and central nervous system infections. According to the literature, T4 genotype is the most common genotype of Acanthamoeba causing keratitis worldwide (about 86%) (Diehl et al., 2021).
