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First cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Slovakia

Frantisek Ondriska1, Martin Mrva, Martin Lichvár

  • 1HPL (Ltd) Microbiological Laboratory, Istrijska 20, 841 07 Bratislava, Slovak Republic. ondriska@hpl.sk

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|January 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection, was identified for the first time in the Slovak Republic. Cases involved contact lens wear and eye injury, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe eye infection, often associated with contact lens wear or ocular trauma.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and preserve the eye.

Observation:

  • First identification of Acanthamoeba sp. Group III in a patient with keratitis following right eye injury.
  • Acanthamoeba ludgunensis identified as the cause of keratitis in a contact lens wearer after swimming pool exposure.
  • Acanthamoeba sp. group II cysts found in contact lens solution, implicating lens use in a 15-year-old girl's keratitis.

Findings:

  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment led to enucleation in the first case.
  • Prompt diagnosis and propamidine-isetionate treatment resulted in significant improvement in the second case.
  • Contact lens contamination with Acanthamoeba cysts is a likely source of infection in the third case.

Implications:

  • Highlights the emergence of Acanthamoeba keratitis in the Slovak Republic.
  • Emphasizes the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and avoiding water exposure while wearing lenses.
  • Underscores the need for increased awareness and timely medical intervention for Acanthamoeba keratitis.

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