In vitro amoebicidal effects of arabinogalactan-based ophthalmic solution

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Corneal infections, primarily bacterial and viral, are common worldwide.
• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases are increasing, caused by an opportunistic protozoan with trophozoite and cyst stages.
• Current treatments for AK lack established efficacy and can cause ocular toxicity due to preservatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of nine proprietary ophthalmic solutions against Acanthamoeba strains.
• To assess the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of solutions with and without preservatives.
• To identify novel compounds for AK treatment with minimal ocular toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Tested nine ophthalmic solutions (ASDA Dry Eyes Eyedrops, Miren®, ODM5®, Ectodol®, Systane® Complete, Ocudox®, Matrix Ocular®, Alins®, Coqun®) against three Acanthamoeba strains.
• Evaluated efficacy against both trophozoite and cyst life cycle stages.
• Assessed potential ocular toxicity of the tested solutions.

Main Results:

• Matrix Ocular® demonstrated significant anti-Acanthamoeba activity.
• Matrix Ocular® induced programmed cell death in Acanthamoeba trophozoites.
• No ocular toxic effects were observed with Matrix Ocular®.

Conclusions:

• Arabinogalactan derivatives, as found in Matrix Ocular®, represent a promising new source for anti-AK compounds.
• Matrix Ocular® offers a highly effective and non-toxic treatment option for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
• Further research into Arabinogalactan derivatives is warranted for AK management.