Evaluation of the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treatment of Acanthamoeba infection

Abstract

Eye diseases caused by amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are usually chronic and severe, and their treatment is prolonged and not very effective. The difficulties associated with therapy have led to attempts at finding alternative treatment methods. Particularly popular is searching for cures among drugs made of plants. However, no substances with total efficacy in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis have been identified.Results of our semi in vivo studies of tea tree oil simulating eyeball infection demonstrated 100% effectiveness in the case of both trophozoites and cysts of amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba. The action of tea tree oil indicates that this is the first substance with a potential ability to quickly and effectively remove the amoebae from the eye. Tea tree oil has the ability to penetrate tissues, which allows it to destroy amoebae in both the shallow and deep layers of the cornea. The present research into the use of tea tree oil in the therapy of Acanthamoeba infection is the first study of this type in parasitology. It offers tremendous potential for effective treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis and other diseases caused by these protozoa.

Challenges in Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Review

“…The diagnosis of AK originates from the patient’s history, patient’s presentation, and clinical suspicion. Symptoms frequently seen in AK include severe ocular pain, associated tearing, redness, photophobia, and decreased vision [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 11 , 12 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Generally, patients will have a unilateral presentation, but in up to 7.5% of cases, the presentation may be bilateral ( Figure 1 ) [ 7 , 11 ].…”

“…Although at this time it can be expensive and/or difficult to obtain, it has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of AK [ 3 , 12 , 43 ]. Other medications, such as topical tea tree oil [ 1 ] and neomycin, may also hold promise as accompanying therapies, although prolonged treatment with the latter is not recommended because of its adverse effects on the corneal epithelium, including toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions [ 2 , 20 ]. One important adjunct to topical medications is epithelial debridement, which in addition to providing a tissue sample for culture, can also physically remove trophozoites and cysts limited to the corneal epithelium and enhance topical drug penetration.…”

“…are responsible for a painful and sight-threatening disease that has a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. The diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is often delayed and patients frequently experience protracted treatment courses that can require surgical intervention in an attempt to restore corneal integrity and health [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The mechanism is unclear, but the increase in inflammation could possibly be caused by the medication toxicity or the yet unidentified antigens released by the dead organisms [ 28 ]. There is promising data on medicinal plants suggesting that its use as a nontoxic drug against AK is worth further researching [ 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

“…There are reports of at least ten different medicinal plants having high trophozoite and cysticidal activity with no toxicity to human keratocytes [ 47 ]. Tea tree oil demonstrated 100% effectiveness against both trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba in vitro [ 48 ]. Although further research is required, this semi-in vivo study demonstrates that tea tree oil can potentially destroy amoebae in the cornea through the form of eye drops.…”