Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What can be concluded about Acanthamoeba culture media?

1. It must always be sterile

2. It is used primarily for testing viruses

3. It often uses bacteria-coated agar for feeding

4. It is best stored at room temperature

The correct answer is: It often uses bacteria-coated agar for feeding

The conclusion that Acanthamoeba culture media often uses bacteria-coated agar for feeding is correct because Acanthamoeba, which are free-living amoebae, require specific conditions to grow in the laboratory. In culture, they are typically provided with a food source, which is often achieved by using bacteria as a substrate. This is because Acanthamoeba are known to feed on bacteria, and by using bacteria-coated agar, researchers can create an environment that allows for optimal growth and observation of the amoebae. The need for nutrient sources such as bacteria in the media reflects the natural ecological relationships that Acanthamoeba have in their own environment. The bacteria provide the necessary nutrients for growth, allowing for effective culture and study of the amoebae. The other options present misunderstandings about the requirements for Acanthamoeba culture. For instance, while sterility is essential in many laboratory cultures to avoid contamination, it is not always a strict requirement for Acanthamoeba cultures specifically. Additionally, Acanthamoeba cultures are not primarily used for testing viruses; they are more commonly utilized in the study of parasites, environmental biology, and their potential pathogenicity. Lastly, while storage conditions are important, A