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Acanthamoeba Keratitis:
The Ocular Nightmare
ABSTRACT
Acanthamoeba keratitis is an ocular disease caused by a microscopic
protozoan, identified as an Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoebae are found
commonly in freshwater, sea water, and soil throughout the world. Normal
exposure to Acanthamoebae usually does not cause problems to the
exposed individual. However, exposure of Acanthamoeba to an individual
with a corneal abrasion as a result of trauma or contact-lens wear can lead
to severe corneal disease. This infection can cause vision loss or even
require enucleation. Prevention, correct diagnosis, and treatment are
essential in the management of A. keratitis. A case study will be discussed
Author: as part of this article.
Craig R. Pataky,
BCO, BADO
Austin Ocular Prosthetics Center, Introduction
LLC Acanthamoeba is a facultative parasite responsible for causing primary
Austin, Texas amebic keratitis and fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans.
1
Acanthamoebae are a member of the family Hartmannellidae with multiple
species including A. culbertsoni, A. polyphaga, A. hatchetti, A. castellanii,
and A. rhysodes, among others. “The factors that contribute to Acan-
thamoeba infections include parasite biology, genetic diversity, environ-
mental spread and host susceptibility and are highlighted together with
potential therapeutic and preventative measures.” 2
History and Details of Acanthamoeba
Amoebae have been found by way of fossil records to date back 400 million
years. Amoebae were among the first organisms to be studied since the
Correspondence to: microscope was invented. Amoebae were found to cause bloody dysentery
in a patient in 1873. Among free-living amoebae, Naegleria was discovered
Craig R. Pataky, BCO, BADO
Austin Ocular Prosthetics Center, LLC by Schardinger in 1899. Acanthamoeba was first identified in 1930 by
4409 Medical Parkway A. Castellani as a eukaryotic cell culture contaminant of a yeast culture. 3
Austin, Texas 78756 More attention has been given to amoebae during the last two decades
Phone: (512) 452-3100 because of the increase of human infections caused by the organisms.
Fax: (512) 452-3200
Email: cpataky@austin.rr.com
Key Words
Acanthamoeba keratitis, corneal
epithelium, cyst, trophozoite,
antiseptic drug
38 | PATAKY JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMIC PROSTHETICS
