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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: Studying Behavior of Acanthamoeba to Develop Targeted Strategies for Preventing Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Published on: September 20, 2024
Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Single-Institution Series of Four Cases With Literature Review
Clarissa Smith1, Nida Ashraf2, Megan Haghnegahdar3
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba species are free-living protozoa found pervasively in water and soil, which can cause infections of the central nervous system, skin, and eye. Amoebic keratitis (AK) is a vision-threatening, often chronic infection that is associated with the use of soft contact lenses due to corneal microtrauma and improper cleaning and storage. Although AK infections are rare, they cause significant morbidity including vision loss due to the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges they pose. The clinical course is determined by the organism's inherent pathogenicity, delay of diagnosis, and the paucity of data on effective therapeutic regimens. The case series and review of literature that follows examine current latest best practices in AK diagnosis including in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and therapeutic interventions including miltefosine.
Insights
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious eye infection linked to contact lens wear. Early diagnosis with in vivo confocal microscopy and treatment with miltefosine improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous protozoa causing infections in the eye, skin, and CNS.
- Amoebic keratitis (AK), a severe eye infection, is frequently associated with contact lens use.
- AK presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, leading to significant vision loss.
Observation:
- Corneal microtrauma and improper contact lens hygiene increase AK risk.
- Delayed diagnosis and limited effective treatments complicate AK clinical course.
- In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) aids in AK diagnosis.
Findings:
- This review examines current best practices for AK diagnosis.
- Miltefosine is highlighted as a key therapeutic intervention for AK.
- Understanding Acanthamoeba pathogenicity is crucial for effective management.
Implications:
- Improved diagnostic methods like IVCM can lead to earlier AK detection.
- Novel therapeutic strategies, including miltefosine, offer hope for better AK treatment.
- Further research into AK pathogenesis and treatment is essential to reduce vision morbidity.
