Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Quantification of Acanthamoeba spp. Motility
07:33

Quantification of Acanthamoeba spp. Motility

Published on: September 20, 2024

Scleral and intraocular amoebic dissemination in Acanthamoeba keratitis

Francisco Arnalich-Montiel1, Laia Jaumandreu, Marina Leal

  • 1*Cornea Unit, Ophthalmology Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain; and †Department of Parasitology, Ecology and Genetics (Area of Parasitology), University Institute of Tropical Diseases of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

Cornea
|August 27, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acanthamoeba keratitis can spread beyond the cornea to the sclera and intraocular tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment, including voriconazole and cryotherapy, are crucial for managing this serious complication.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe microbial infection of the cornea.
  • Extracorneal spread of Acanthamoeba presents a significant management challenge.

Observation:

  • A retrospective review identified four instances of extracorneal Acanthamoeba spread in three patients.
  • Cases included nodular scleritis and intraocular dissemination (retrocorneal membrane).

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of scleral involvement was achieved with double freeze-thaw cryotherapy.
  • Intraocular invasion responded to combined oral and intraocular voriconazole.
  • Corneal recurrence and scleral disease necessitated surgical intervention with corneal grafting.

Implications:

  • Acanthamoeba can invade scleral and intraocular tissues, particularly in long-standing disease or post-keratoplasty.
  • Prompt biopsy and microbiological analysis are essential for suspected extracorneal spread.
  • Multimodal treatment strategies, including antimicrobials and surgery, are vital for favorable outcomes.

More Related Videos

Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches09:04

Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches

Published on: October 27, 2013

Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing05:22

Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing

Published on: May 5, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...