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Acanthamoeba Keratitis Signs

• PDF Version

Two species of free-living soil amoebae can infect the cornea. Naegleria fowleri affects healthy young adults who have a history of exposure to contaminated or brackish water. Keratitis from this organism is very uncommon. Acanthamoeba castellanii is the most common cause of amoebic keratitis, and is mostly associated with incorrect contact lens handling and exposure to unsanitary conditions.

Symptoms

• severe pain
• conjunctival edema
• loss of vision

Treatment of Acanthamoeba infection is quite difficult. Current recommendations include using a solution of 0.1% propamadine along with a combination antibacterial preparation. Another option is the use of polyhexamethylene biguanide (0.02% solution) or chlorhexidine (0.02% solution).