Contact lens solution efficacy against Acanthamoeba castellani

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ophthalmology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Acanthamoeba castellani is an opportunistic protozoan pathogen.
• Contact lens wear is a risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
• Effective disinfection of contact lens solutions against Acanthamoeba cysts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of several multipurpose contact lens solutions against Acanthamoeba castellani cysts and trophozoites.
• To determine the antimicrobial activity of specific contact lens solutions after a 6-hour exposure period.

Main Methods:

• Acanthamoeba castellani (ATCC 30234) cysts and trophozoites were exposed to various contact lens solutions for 6 hours.
• Viable Acanthamoeba were enumerated using the most probable number method after neutralization and serial dilution.
• Incubation of cultures was performed at 35°C for 14 days.

Main Results:

• Clear Care/AOSEPT Plus and BLUE Vision/BLUE SEPT showed the highest mean log reductions for cysts (1.8 and 2.0, respectively).
• For trophozoites, Clear Care/AOSEPT Plus and BLUE Vision/BLUE SEPT also demonstrated high log reductions (2.2 and 2.7, respectively).
• OPTI-FREE Express with Aldox and easyvision one step+ exhibited minimal activity against Acanthamoeba cysts.

Conclusions:

• Clear Care/AOSEPT Plus and BLUE Vision/BLUE SEPT possess significant antimicrobial efficacy against Acanthamoeba castellani cysts.
• Oxysept 1 Step showed moderate activity against cysts, while OPTI-FREE Express with Aldox and easyvision one step+ had negligible activity.
• These findings highlight the importance of selecting effective contact lens disinfectants to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis.