Current advances in diagnostic methods of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Objective The objective of this article was to review the current advances in diagnostic methods for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Data sources Data used in this review were retrieved from PubMed (1970–2013). The terms “Acanthamoeba keratitis” and “diagnosis” were used for the literature search. Study selection Data from published articles regarding AK and diagnosis in clinical trials were identified and reviewed. Results The diagnostic methods for the eight species implicated in AK were reviewed. Among all diagnostic procedures, corneal scraping and smear examination was an essential diagnostic method. Polymerase chain reaction was the most sensitive and accurate detection method. Culturing of Acanthamoeba was a reliable method for final diagnosis of AK. Confocal microscopy to detect Acanthamoeba was also effective, without any invasive procedure, and was helpful in the early diagnosis of AK. Conclusion Clinically, conjunction of various diagnostic methods to diagnose AK was necessary.