Voriconazole as a first-line treatment against potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains from Peru

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Pathogenic Acanthamoeba species cause severe infections like granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis.
• Previous research isolated Acanthamoeba strains from nasal swabs of healthy individuals in Peru.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the pathogenic potential of isolated Acanthamoeba strains.
• To determine the sensitivity of pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains to voriconazole and chlorhexidine.

Main Methods:

• Pathogenic potential was assessed using temperature and osmotolerance assays, and extracellular protease secretion rates.
• Four highly pathogenic strains were selected for drug sensitivity testing.
• Sensitivity and activity assays were performed using voriconazole and chlorhexidine.

Main Results:

• All tested Acanthamoeba strains exhibited pathogenic potential.
• Both voriconazole and chlorhexidine showed activity against the selected strains.
• Voriconazole exhibited superior activity compared to chlorhexidine.

Conclusions:

• Voriconazole is a promising therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba infections.
• Voriconazole should be considered for first-line treatment of Acanthamoeba infections, particularly in regions like Peru.