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Author Spotlight: Studying Behavior of Acanthamoeba to Develop Targeted Strategies for Preventing Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Published on: September 20, 2024
Concomitant Potentially Contagious Factors Detected in Poland and Regarding Acanthamoeba Strains, Etiological Agents
Lidia Chomicz1, Jacek P Szaflik2, Agnieszka Kuligowska3
1Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
Diseases in humans caused by amphizoic amoebae that can result in visual impairment and even blindness, have recently been identified more frequently worldwide. Etiologically complex incidents of keratitis, including those connected with Acanthamoeba strains detected in Poland, were evaluated in this study.
Methods:
Corneal samples from cases resistant to antimicrobial therapy assessed for epidemiological, microbiological and parasitological aspects were investigated by phase-contrast microscope, slit lamp and by confocal microscopy. In vitro techniques were applied for detection of bacteria and fungi, and corneal isolates cultured under axenic condition using BSC medium-for detection of Acanthamoeba spp.; molecular techniques were applied for amoeba species identification.
Results:
Most etiologically complicated keratitis cases, detected in ~84% of incidents, was due to exposure of contact lenses to tap water or pool water; trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba, concomitant bacteriae, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi and microfilariae were identified in contact lens users.
Conclusions:
In samples from contact lens wearers where microbial keratitis is identified along with some connection with the patient's exposure to contaminated water environments, a risk of Acanthamoeba spp. infections should be considered. Understanding the complicated relationship between Acanthamoeba spp., co-occurring pathogens including associated endosymbionts is needed. In vivo confocal microscopy and in vitro cultivation were necessary to identify potentially contagious concomitant factors affecting the complex course of the keratitis.
Insights
Acanthamoeba infections, a cause of severe keratitis and blindness, are increasingly identified worldwide. Contact lens wearers exposed to contaminated water face a significant risk, necessitating careful consideration of these amoebic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Amphizoic amoebae infections causing visual impairment and blindness are increasingly reported globally.
- This study evaluated etiologically complex keratitis cases, specifically those involving Acanthamoeba strains in Poland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological factors and microbiological aspects of complex keratitis cases.
- To identify the role of Acanthamoeba species in microbial keratitis, particularly in contact lens wearers.
Main Methods:
- Corneal samples from antimicrobial-resistant keratitis cases were analyzed using microscopy (phase-contrast, confocal, slit lamp).
- In vitro techniques identified bacteria and fungi; axenic cultivation detected Acanthamoeba spp.
- Molecular methods were used for amoeba species identification.
Main Results:
- Approximately 84% of complex keratitis cases were linked to contact lens exposure to tap or pool water.
- Trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba, along with bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi, and microfilariae, were found in contact lens users.
- Co-infections with other pathogens were identified in these cases.
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba spp. infections should be considered in contact lens wearers with microbial keratitis, especially after exposure to contaminated water.
- Further understanding of the interactions between Acanthamoeba, co-occurring pathogens, and endosymbionts is crucial.
- In vivo confocal microscopy and in vitro cultivation are essential for identifying factors influencing complex keratitis progression.
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