Acanthamoeba is one of the more abundant protozoa on earth. Members of the genus Acanthamoeba are almost ubiquitous and have been isolated from soil, dust, air, treated and untreated tap water, swimming pools, air-conditioning units and numerous other domestic and outdoor environments. Corneal ulceration and uveitis can be caused by Acathamoeba spp. The former is serious, producing a chronic progressive ulcerative lesion that may result in blindness. Infection commonly follows mild corneal trauma. Causes tend to be multifactorial, however, a major risk factor is the use of contact lenses, predominantly daily wear or extended-wear soft lenses. Risk factors include home-made saline instead of commercially prepared saline, less frequent than recommended disinfection of lenses and wearing lenses while swimming.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by real-time PCR, using specific primers and probes for the detection of Acanthamoeba.
Microbiology - Virology
ACAN
3 days
6080