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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Studying Behavior of Acanthamoeba to Develop Targeted Strategies for Preventing Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Published on: September 20, 2024
The Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: First Time Detection of Acanthamoeba T5 Genotype
Derya Dirim Erdogan1, Mehmet Aykur2,3, Nur Selvi Gunel4
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. derya.dirim.erdogan@ege.edu.tr.
Purpose:
The primary aim of this study is to investigate Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis cases (n = 60), in contact lens (CL) and lens care solutions of asymptomatic CL users (n = 41), and to identify the genotypes in positive samples. The secondary aim is to assess the risk factors and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients.
Methods:
All samples from patients and asymptomatic CL users were examined by microscopy and inoculated in non-nutrient agar plates. PCR was performed using the DNA isolated from corneal scrapings, CL and lens care solution samples. Positive DNA samples were sequenced to determine the genotype of Acanthamoeba.
Results:
In none of the samples, Acanthamoeba was identified by microscopy, while Acanthamoeba was detected in a patient with keratitis by culture method. However, Acanthamoeba was detected in 11.66% (7/60) of the keratitis patients by PCR. The genotypes of these isolates detected by sequencing were T4 (4), and T5 (3). Acanthamoeba was detected in none of the samples of asymptomatic CL users by any of the three methods.
Conclusion:
To best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect T5 genotype in AK patients from Turkey. In addition, the CL use was found to be an important risk factor for AK.
