J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2007 Mar;48(3):431-437.

Evaluation of Cysticidal Effects of Contact Lens Disinfectant on Acanthamoeba Isolates

• Lee JE
• Park JS
• Lee JS
• Yoo HS

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cysticidal effect of 5 kinds of commercially available contact lens disinfectants against 2 clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba.
METHODS
Five kinds of commercially available contact lens disinfectants were soaked with cysts of Acanthamoeba ludgdunesis and castellanii at the concentration of 10(3), 10(4), and 10(5) cells/ml for 1 and 4 or 6 hours. Cysts which were not excysted in 7 days after treatment were recognized to be killed. Morphologic changes were evaluated by electron microscopic observation.
RESULTS
Contact lens disinfectants which contain myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (MAPD) showed the best cysticidal effect. These disinfectants demonstrated a cysticidal effect on both Acanthamoeba species of all concentrations in 6-hour treatment. Contact lens disinfectants which contain polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) did not demonstrate cysticidal effect, except for Acanthamoeba castellanii at the concentration of 10(3) cells/ml, in either 4- or 6-hour treatment. Separation of plasma membrane from endocyst and damage of organelles were prominent in cases showing a cysticidal effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Contact lens disinfectant which contains MAPD may be helpful in preventing the Acanthamoeba keratitis. A higher concentration of PHMB is required to be effective in preventing Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Keyword

Acanthamoeba; Amoebicidal effect; Contact lens disinfectants; Cyst

MeSH Terms

Acanthamoeba castellanii
Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba*
Cell Membrane
Contact Lens Solutions
Disinfectants
Organelles
Contact Lens Solutions
Disinfectants