<i>Acanthamoeba</i>keratitis: study of the 5-year incidence in Israel: Table 1

Graffi, Shmuel; Peretz, Avi; Jabaly, Haneen; Koiefman, Anna; Naftali, Modi

doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2013-303386

Cited by 11 publications

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“…This difference with the culture method could be explained as the culture of specimens is a highly specific diagnostic method, but also limited by high false-negative rates. Studies in the United States and United Kingdom concerning culture methods reported sensitivity values from 50 to 57% [ 44 ]. Moreover, large-volume specimens such as observed in contact lens solutions have a demonstrable dilutional effect and are therefore subject to poor smear and culture results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acanthamoeba spp. in Contact Lenses from Healthy Individuals from Madrid, Spain

et al. 2016

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PurposeAcanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a painful and potentially blinding corneal infection caused by Acanthamoeba spp. In Madrid, environmental studies have demonstrated a high presence of these free-living amoebae in tap water. Since most of AK cases occur in contact lenses (CL) wearers with inadequate hygiene habits, the presence of Acanthamoeba in discarded CL has been studied and compared with other common etiological agents of keratitis, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.MethodsOne hundred and seventy-seven healthy individuals from Madrid contributed their discarded CL and answered a questionnaire on hygiene habits. DNA was extracted from the CL solution and analyzed by real-time PCR for Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These CL and their solutions were also cultured on non-nutrient agar to isolate Acanthamoeba.ResultsAmong the 177 samples, Acanthamoeba DNA was detected in 87 (49.2%), P. aeruginosa DNA in 14 (7.9%) and S. aureus DNA in 19 (10.7%). Cultivable amoebae, however, were observed in only one sample (0.6%). This isolate was genotyped as T4. The habits reported by this CL owner included some recognized risk factors for AK, but in this study only the practice of “not cleaning the CL case” presented some statistical significant association with Acanthamoeba DNA presence. Detection of the investigated bacterial DNA did not demonstrate statistical significant association with the studied practices, but the presence of P. aeruginosa revealed a possible inhibition of Acanthamoeba in these samples.ConclusionsThe PCR results suggest a high presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in healthy CL wearers from Madrid, but we can assume that CL solutions are properly disinfecting the CL since only 1.1% of the positive PCR samples correspond to viable amoebae and, after four years, only one participant reported stronger ocular problems. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to corroborate this hypothesis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acanthamoeba spp. in Contact Lenses from Healthy Individuals from Madrid, Spain

et al. 2016

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“…In a case of threatening or completed perforation of the cornea, the surgery must be performed urgently. Some authors recommend systemic steroids prior to surgery if concomitant limbitis or scleritis is present [69].…”

Section: Treatment Recommended In Management In Akmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The size of corneal graft should be minimum to excise an inflamed and necrotic tissue. Although remaining clinically healthy cornea is frequently also infected, this tissue should be saved because of the higher risk of rejection with large/decentrated grafts and because the possibility of repeat grafting should be kept in mind in the event of recurrence; a further graft represents a new food source for the organism and can be used to attract residual amoebae [69].…”

Section: Treatment Recommended In Management In Akmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: The Emerging Vision-Threatening Corneal Disease

Chomicz¹,

Szaflik²,

Padzik³

et al. 2016

Advances in Common Eye Infections

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Some Acanthamoeba species are distributed in natural and man-made environments, in a wide range of soil and aquatic habitats, also in clinical settings. The amphizoic organisms can exist as facultative parasites -causative agents of serious human disease, Acanthamoeba keratitis. The vision-threatening eye disease occurring particularly in contact lens wearers is reported with increasing prevalence in different regions of the world. The amoebic keratitis is difficult to diagnose as clinical symptoms are similar to those observed in other eye diseases. Moreover, bacterial, viral, fungal, and amoebic co-infections frequently occur also amoebae act as carriers for ~ species pathogenic for humans, e.g. from Pseudomonas, Legionella, Mycobacterium and Escherichia genera thus the corneal disease is frequently misdiagnosed. Complex etiology, late proper recognition of amoebic infections, and the exceptional resistance of Acanthamoeba cysts to chemicals are important factors influencing diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. Surgical interventions are needed as an alternative treatment in refractory Acanthamoeba keratitis. It should be taken into consideration that the knowledge and awareness of increasing threat generated by the amphizoic amoebae are still insufficient. This compilation presents selected aspects of eye disease that is becoming the increasingly significant for human health worldwide.

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“…The infections caused by Acanthamoeba include Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) among healthy individuals, especially those wearing contact lenses, and a life threatening Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) infection of the central nervous system (CNS) among immunocompromised population [5,6]. Although the incidence of AK/GAE is different around the world (0.13-33 cases per million), the rates have been steadily increasing throughout recent years, especially in developed countries [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Since GAE is found in immunocompromised individuals, the mortality rate is quite high ranging from 95 to 98% among infected patients [14,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

et al. 2021

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Acanthamoeba keratitis is an unusual corneal infection that is recently increasing in frequency and is often contracted by contact lens wearers, someone who experienced recent eye trauma, or someone exposed to contaminated waters. Acanthamoeba survive in air, soil, dust, and water. Therefore, eye trauma and poor contact lens hygiene practices lead to the entrapment of debris and thus infection. Acanthamoeba keratitis results in severe eye pain, inflammation, and defects of the epithelium and stroma that can potentially result in vision loss if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. The disease can be diagnosed using corneal scrape/biopsy, polymerase chain reactions, impression cytology, or in vivo confocal microscopy. Once diagnosed, it is usually treated with an antimicrobial combination therapy of biguanide and aromatic diadine eye drops for several months. Advanced stages of the disease result in vision loss and the need for corneal transplants. Avoiding the risk factors and diagnosing the disease early are the most effective ways to combat Acanthamoeba keratitis.

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Acanthamoebakeratitis: study of the 5-year incidence in Israel: Table 1

Abstract: AK is mostly attributable to the use of contact lenses. As contact lenses are popular in Israel, we expected a higher incidence rate. A lower than expected incidence rate may indicate insufficient awareness of AK in Israel.

Cited by 11 publications

References 11 publications

Acanthamoeba spp. in Contact Lenses from Healthy Individuals from Madrid, Spain

Acanthamoeba spp. in Contact Lenses from Healthy Individuals from Madrid, Spain

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: The Emerging Vision-Threatening Corneal Disease

Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

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