Publicação
Acanthamoeba and contact lenses
| Resumo: | Acanthamoeba keratitis is an infection caused by a unicellular protozoan of the genus Acanthamoeba which is universally widespread. Thus, and because contact with humans happens daily, the risk of exposure to this infection is very high. Until now, the majority of cases are reported in contact lens wearers although it’s also a reality in non-wearers, mostly connected with corneal trauma. In addition to this difference between wearers and non-wearers, there was also a variation in incidence, regarding the etiology of the, between develop and developing countries. Corneal trauma, which can be caused by varied causes and the use of contact lenses, facilitates invasion by leaving an open door to microorganisms to penetrate the cornea. In addition to trauma, risk factors are mostly associated with patients’ behaviors, such as contact of lenses with contaminated water in the shower, swimming pools and beach, etc., lack of hygiene habits with contact lenses and respective cases and the use of ineffective disinfecting solutions against Acanthamoeba. The fact that a disinfecting solution isn’t completely effective against trophozoites and/or cysts, both forms of Acanthamoeba’s lifecycle, can cause the infection to reappear as only one cyst leads to the emergence of a new population of Acanthamoeba. This work is based on a literature review and the main goal is to deepen the knowledge about Acanthamoeba keratitis, presenting the main risk factors and focusing on prevention actions for this type of corneal infection, since the treatments are not always effective. It targets specialists in visual health to strengthening their knowledge in this area as well as that they can better inform their patients about hygiene care, appropriate measures of disinfection and ways to minimize the risk of infection. At this stage it’s important to highlight the essential role that specialists play in fitting, monitoring and follow-up of patients to minimize the danger of infection. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (Benjamin Franklin) |
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| Autores principais: | Lacerda, Ana Gomes de |
| Assunto: | Acanthamoeba Acanthamoeba keratitis Contact lenses Maintenance solutions Prevention Queratite por acanthamoeba Lentes de contacto Soluções de manutenção Prevenção |
| Ano: | 2019 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | Acanthamoeba keratitis is an infection caused by a unicellular protozoan of the genus Acanthamoeba which is universally widespread. Thus, and because contact with humans happens daily, the risk of exposure to this infection is very high. Until now, the majority of cases are reported in contact lens wearers although it’s also a reality in non-wearers, mostly connected with corneal trauma. In addition to this difference between wearers and non-wearers, there was also a variation in incidence, regarding the etiology of the, between develop and developing countries. Corneal trauma, which can be caused by varied causes and the use of contact lenses, facilitates invasion by leaving an open door to microorganisms to penetrate the cornea. In addition to trauma, risk factors are mostly associated with patients’ behaviors, such as contact of lenses with contaminated water in the shower, swimming pools and beach, etc., lack of hygiene habits with contact lenses and respective cases and the use of ineffective disinfecting solutions against Acanthamoeba. The fact that a disinfecting solution isn’t completely effective against trophozoites and/or cysts, both forms of Acanthamoeba’s lifecycle, can cause the infection to reappear as only one cyst leads to the emergence of a new population of Acanthamoeba. This work is based on a literature review and the main goal is to deepen the knowledge about Acanthamoeba keratitis, presenting the main risk factors and focusing on prevention actions for this type of corneal infection, since the treatments are not always effective. It targets specialists in visual health to strengthening their knowledge in this area as well as that they can better inform their patients about hygiene care, appropriate measures of disinfection and ways to minimize the risk of infection. At this stage it’s important to highlight the essential role that specialists play in fitting, monitoring and follow-up of patients to minimize the danger of infection. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (Benjamin Franklin) |
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