Lynn, 

Sorry, can't really help you. I know we've stain for 
acanthamoeba with GMS in our lab on ulcerated corneas 
removed from patients for just that reason.

Just a word of warning to anyone wearing contact lenses -

- DO use a commercial cleaning agent, NOT your own home-brew.
- DO clean your lenses according the the stated time
interval, length of time, and temperature.
- DON'T share lenses (a common practice with the tinted
lenses among teens)

This is a parasite found in water and soil everywhere in
the world, and the last thing you want is to have your
cornea(s) removed due to ulceration by this parasite 
because you did not clean your lenses properly.

***********************

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073



Lynn Gardner wrote:
> 
> Dear All,
> 
> Does anyone in all of histoland know of a histotech, cytotech or biology
> lab that is working with the testing of acanthamoeba. In short this is an
> organism suspected to cause corneal problems. I am looking for someone who
> can perform vitro tests for testing  the susceptibility of acanthamoeba
> against antimicrobial agents.  In detail, the minimal inhibition
> concentration (MIC) of contact lens preservatives against acanthamoeba
> should be determined.
> 
> I would appreciate any information from anyone (techs, vendors,
> pharmaceutical companies, etc.) doing this type of testing even if they are
> not working with acanthamoeba specifically. You may either respond to this
> e-mail or contact me by phone 319-335-7095. I would appreciate an answer as
> quickly as possible. Thanks everyone!
> 
> Sincerely,
> Lynn Gardner, HT(ASCP)
> Supervisory Research Assistant III
> FC Blodi Eye Pathology Laboratory
> The University of Iowa
> 233 MRC
> Iowa City, IA 52242-1182
> Phone: 319-335-7095
> Fax: 319-335-7193