Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis laboratory tests: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Balamuthia Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord caused by Balamuthia[1,2,3,4]. GAE is often diagnosed only after death. However, it can be diagnosed by examining blood, | Balamuthia Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) is a serious infection of the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]] caused by Balamuthia[1,2,3,4]. GAE is often diagnosed only after death. However, it can be diagnosed by examining [[blood]], [[cerebrospinal fluid]], and tissue samples from a living patient as well. Diagnosis of GAE in a living patient is less common because the amoebas are difficult to identify under the microscope, even with commonly used stains[5]. | ||
However, there are three types of tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of GAE. The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a test used to detect antibodies attached to Balamuthia amebas in body tissues. In contrast, immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses specific antibodies against Balamuthia to detect the | However, there are three types of tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of GAE. The [[indirect immunofluorescence assay]] (IFA) is a test used to detect antibodies attached to Balamuthia amebas in body tissues. In contrast, [[immunohistochemistry]] (IHC) uses specific antibodies against Balamuthia to detect the amoebas. Finally, a [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) molecular assay can detect Balamuthia DNA[5]. | ||
The [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) offers diagnostic assistance for Balamuthia to physicians and scientists through DPDx. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 20:57, 4 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Balamuthia Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord caused by Balamuthia[1,2,3,4]. GAE is often diagnosed only after death. However, it can be diagnosed by examining blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue samples from a living patient as well. Diagnosis of GAE in a living patient is less common because the amoebas are difficult to identify under the microscope, even with commonly used stains[5].
However, there are three types of tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of GAE. The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a test used to detect antibodies attached to Balamuthia amebas in body tissues. In contrast, immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses specific antibodies against Balamuthia to detect the amoebas. Finally, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular assay can detect Balamuthia DNA[5].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers diagnostic assistance for Balamuthia to physicians and scientists through DPDx.