Clinical presentation, genotypic diversity, and intracellular bacteria in <i>Acanthamoeba</i> keratitis patients treated at a referral eye hospital in Sydney, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an emerging corneal infection. This study evaluated the prevalence of AK, assessed circulating Acanthamoeba genotypes, and identified potential sources of infection.

Methods

A prospective case series study was conducted at the Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia, from June 2021 and October 2022. Corneal swabs from AK patients were collected for culture, and their domestic water samples were also analyzed. Cyst morphology, polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing were performed to confirm the Acanthamoeba isolates.

Results

A total of 21 AK patients were recruited in this study (41 ± 12.3 years). Six (28.6%) corneal and four (44.4%) water samples tested positive for Acanthamoeba genotype T4. One co

SUBMITTER: Rayamajhee B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271423 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature