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[Acanthamoeba keratitis]
C A Eggink1, W Vaandrager, D M Burger
1Instituut voor Oogheelkunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen.
Abstract:
Three patients, women aged 69, 25 and 30 years, with refractory keratitis were found to have a rare infection with Acanthamoeba. All wore soft contact lenses. The frequency of Acanthamoeba keratitis increased in recent years. At present, an efficacious antiprotozoal therapy is available, for instance in the form of polyhexamethylene biguanide and propamidine. In cases of refractory keratitis, the possibility of an Acanthamoeba infection should be taken into account.
Insights
A rare Acanthamoeba infection caused refractory keratitis in three soft contact lens wearers. Prompt diagnosis and antiprotozoal treatment are crucial for managing this increasing ocular infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Refractory keratitis poses a diagnostic challenge.
- Contact lens wear is a known risk factor for microbial keratitis.
- Ocular infections require timely and accurate etiological diagnosis.
Observation:
- Three female patients (aged 69, 25, and 30) presented with refractory keratitis.
- All identified patients were soft contact lens wearers.
- Acanthamoeba species were identified as the causative agent in these cases.
Findings:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis is an uncommon but serious ocular infection.
- The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has shown an upward trend.
- Effective antiprotozoal therapies, including polyhexamethylene biguanide and propamidine, are available.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should consider Acanthamoeba infection in refractory keratitis cases.
- Early detection and appropriate treatment can improve patient outcomes.
- Public health awareness regarding contact lens hygiene is essential to prevent infections.