Acanthamoeba keratitis in a mouse model using a novel approach.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe eye infection often linked to contact lens wear and trauma, with a poor prognosis.
• Establishing a reliable animal model is crucial for understanding AK pathogenesis and developing treatments.
• Existing mouse models using contact lenses for AK induction are often unsuccessful and costly due to lens dislodgement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using parafilm as a substitute for contact lenses in establishing an Acanthamoeba keratitis mouse model.
• To determine a more effective and economical method for AK induction in animal studies.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six Balb/c mice were divided into groups to test three AK induction methods: Acanthamoeba-impregnated contact lenses, Acanthamoeba-impregnated parafilm, and corneal scratching followed by Acanthamoeba suspension inoculation.
• Tarsorrhaphy was performed in all experimental groups to secure the implants or inoculum.
• Infection assessment involved clinical observation and microscopic examination of corneal scrapings and sections.

Main Results:

• The parafilm method successfully established Acanthamoeba keratitis in the mouse model.
• In contrast, only one mouse developed AK when using contact lenses, and none developed AK with the scratching method.
• Parafilm proved to be a more consistent and effective material for AK induction.

Conclusions:

• Parafilm serves as a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to contact lenses for inducing Acanthamoeba keratitis in a mouse model.
• This finding supports the use of parafilm for future research into AK pathology and anti-amoebic drug evaluation.
• The parafilm method offers a significant improvement over existing techniques for AK animal model development.