The genotypic characterisation of Acanthamoeba isolates from human ocular samples

Br J Ophthalmol. 2008 Aug;92(8):1139-41. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2007.132266. Epub 2008 Jun 27.

Abstract

Background: We characterised 37 amoebae cultured from corneal scrapings, contact lenses or lens case solutions of patients with suspected Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Methods: The isolates were identified by their morphology and by PCR targeting the Acanthamoeba nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene. Acanthamoeba isolates were genotyped by DNA sequence analysis.

Results: The 37 isolates comprised 35 Acanthamoeba, one Hartmannella and one Vahlkampfia. Ten Acanthamoeba isolates were shown to be responsible for keratitis.

Conclusion: Genotype T4 was the only Acanthamoeba genotype responsible for keratitis in this study, and represented 79% of non-pathogenic isolates.

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba / classification*
  • Acanthamoeba / genetics
  • Acanthamoeba / isolation & purification
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis / parasitology*
  • Animals
  • Contact Lens Solutions
  • Contact Lenses / parasitology
  • Cornea / parasitology
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Parasitology / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • Contact Lens Solutions