The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Abstract

Most major eye centres in Australia have now seen patients with corneal infection due to Acanthamoeba. The medical treatment of this condition is difficult; Acanthamoeba isolates show wide variation in their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and amoebicidal concentrations are difficult to achieve in the cornea. The recent development of animal models of Acanthamoeba keratitis will be important in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms involved. The key to improving the visual outcome for these patients may prove to be the manipulation of the host response.