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[Amoebic keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba sp. May HSV1 infection play a role?]
E Paniagua-Crespo1, A Tsouria-Belaid, C Bellon
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie, UFR de Médecine, Brest.
Abstract:
Many cases of human keratitis with Acanthamoeba sp. have a pseudo-herpetic appearance. The authors therefore evaluated the importance of co-infection with this virus in the onset of amoebic cornean lesions. After herpetic and amoebic co-infection rabbits showed severe cornean lesions, the viral aspect of cornea received a specific treatment. The amoebic co-infection progressed unchecked with severe lesions until day 37 p.i., in which trophozoites and cysts were numerous. The possible favourising role of HSV1 and Acanthamoeba sp. co-infection may exist in humans, just as it certainly exists in the rabbit.
Insights
Herpetic virus 1 (HSV1) and Acanthamoeba sp. co-infection can worsen amoebic keratitis. In rabbits, HSV1 and Acanthamoeba sp. co-infection led to severe corneal lesions, suggesting a similar role in human cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Virology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) can present with pseudo-herpetic features.
- The role of viral co-infection in AK pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and Acanthamoeba sp. co-infection on the development of amoebic corneal lesions.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model was used to induce co-infection with HSV1 and Acanthamoeba sp.
- Corneal lesions were monitored after specific antiviral treatment was administered.
Main Results:
- Co-infection led to severe corneal lesions in rabbits.
- Untreated amoebic co-infection progressed significantly, with numerous trophozoites and cysts observed up to 37 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- HSV1 and Acanthamoeba sp. co-infection may promote the development of severe amoebic corneal lesions.
- This co-infection likely plays a significant role in human cases of amoebic keratitis.