Thelansis

  Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare infection of the cornea that, difficult to diagnose and treat properly, can be a sight-threatening disease. Acanthamoeba is currently divided into twenty-two different genotypes (T1–T22) based on 18s rRNA gene typing. Based on genotypes variations clinical presentation and response to therapy vary. The pathogen is transmitted through corneal contact with a contaminated substance. Most cases seen in humans seem to be associated with contaminated water, soil, or trauma to the eye. The progression of Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in two main phases. An initial phase where infiltration is limited to the corneal epithelium, and a second phase where the parasite invades the underlying stroma. Once in the stroma, extensive damage to the collagen matrix occurs which provokes intense inflammation. The estimated incidence of cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis with soft contact lens wearers ranges between 4.5 to 7.8 cases per 100,000 population.  ...