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Identification of Acanthamoeba sp. in paraffin-embedded CNS tissue from an HIV+ individual by PCR
Rebecca C MacLean1, Naiel Hafez, Sarika Tripathi
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
Abstract:
The opportunistic pathogens, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, are the causative agents of the fatal central nervous system (CNS) infection granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. We report an infection of Acanthamoeba in an HIV+ individual. In the present case, multiple lesions were observed in the skin, brain, lung, liver, and bone. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for Acanthamoeba was positive on tissue from a brain biopsy that had been embedded in paraffin. This report demonstrates the need for the consideration of Acanthamoeba infections in HIV+ individuals with skin lesions and multiple lesions throughout the body with CNS involvement. The results of the present study demonstrate that opportunistic amoebic infections can be diagnosed by PCR from paraffin-embedded biopsy material.
Insights
Acanthamoeba infections can cause fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, particularly in individuals with HIV. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) successfully diagnosed Acanthamoeba in paraffin-embedded tissue from an HIV+ patient with disseminated disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia are opportunistic pathogens causing fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are particularly susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A case of disseminated Acanthamoeba infection is reported in an individual who was positive for HIV.
- The patient presented with multiple lesions affecting the skin, brain, lungs, liver, and bone.
Findings:
- A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting Acanthamoeba was positive on brain biopsy tissue preserved in paraffin.
- This highlights the diagnostic utility of PCR on archival tissue for identifying Acanthamoeba.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Acanthamoeba infections in HIV+ individuals presenting with skin lesions, disseminated disease, and CNS involvement.
- PCR offers a viable diagnostic method for opportunistic amoebic infections using paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens.
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