Contact lenses contamination by Acanthamoeba spp. in Upper Egypt

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living amoebae.
• Increased contact lens use correlates with a rise in Acanthamoeba keratitis cases.
• Contaminated lenses and solutions pose a significant risk for sight-threatening eye infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify Acanthamoeba species from contact lenses and disinfecting solutions.
• To determine the prevalence of Acanthamoeba contamination in contact lens-related products.
• To genetically characterize the isolated Acanthamoeba strains.

Main Methods:

• Samples of new and used contact lenses and disinfecting solutions were cultured.
• Morphological identification was performed using light and scanning electron microscopy.
• Molecular identification involved PCR sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene.

Main Results:

• Acanthamoeba species were detected in 29% of the 100 samples examined.
• Two Acanthamoeba strains, identified as genotypes T4, were isolated.
• The isolated T4 genotype strains showed high similarity to those previously found in Iran.

Conclusions:

• Contact lenses and disinfectant solutions serve as key transmission routes for Acanthamoeba.
• The T4 genotype is a common cause of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
• Strict adherence to lens cleaning protocols and solution maintenance is essential to prevent infections.