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Therapy of acanthamoeba keratitis--an experimental study
1Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|August 15, 2000
Summary
Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) effectively treated Acanthamoeba keratitis in rabbits, showing faster healing. Aprotinin also demonstrated benefits, suggesting its use as an adjuvant therapy for this eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis (A. keratitis) is a severe microbial infection of the cornea.
- Effective treatment options for A. keratitis are crucial to prevent vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), fluconazole, povidone iodine, and aprotinin in treating experimentally induced Acanthamoeba keratitis in rabbits.
- To compare the healing times and clinical improvements associated with each treatment.
Main Methods:
- Thirty rabbits with experimentally induced A. keratitis were divided into five groups.
- Treatments included PHMB (0.02%), fluconazole (0.2%), povidone iodine (5%), aprotinin (40 IU/ml), and normal saline, administered five times daily.
- Neomycin was used as a common adjunct in all groups.
Main Results:
- Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) demonstrated the fastest average healing time (13.67 days).
- Aprotinin also showed a relatively quick healing time (17.0 days) and faster improvement in clinical signs like lid edema and discharge.
- Povidone iodine and fluconazole showed longer healing times (23.5 and 22 days, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a highly effective agent for treating Acanthamoeba keratitis.
- Aprotinin may serve as a beneficial adjuvant therapy in managing A. keratitis, complementing primary treatments.