[Acanthamoeba keratitis]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe corneal infection.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for a positive prognosis.
• AK is associated with corneal trauma, soil/water exposure, and contact lens wear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
• To highlight the importance of early intervention and appropriate therapeutic agents.

Main Methods:

• Clinical diagnosis supported by in vivo confocal microscopy.
• Definitive diagnosis via Acanthamoeba identification (scraping, histology, PCR).
• Treatment involves cysticidal drugs: biguanides (PHMB, chlorhexidine) and diamidines (propamidine, hexamidine).

Main Results:

• Encysted forms of Acanthamoeba are more resistant to treatment than trophozoites.
• Standard treatment combines biguanides and diamidines.
• Current diagnostic and therapeutic options can be improved.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and therapy are essential for managing AK.
• The use of cysticidal drugs targeting resistant encysted forms is critical.
• Advancements in diagnostic tools and topical anti-amoebic treatments are needed to improve patient outcomes.