|
| |
|
|
| Acanthamoeba
is a rear but potentially very serious corneal infection that has been
bost frequently associated with contact lens wear.
Acanthamoeba organisms are ubiquitous, free-living protozoans which
are found naturally in soil and fresh water.
Contamination of contact lens care systems is often the source of
infection. Clinically,
acanthamoeba keratitis is characterized by a chronic course with waxing
and waning of the infection. Progression
of this infection may lead to a ring-shaped infiltrate of the cornea with
infiltrates along the corneal nerve and a large degree of associated pain
(#22192). The clinical
diagnosis is often difficult, and this condition may clinically be
confused with fungal or herpetic keratitis.
Histopathologically, the corneal stroma is invaded with multiple
acanthamoeba cysts, as well as trophozoites, in areas of stromal necrosis
and inflammation (#22193).
|
| Clinical
Photo #22192 |
High
Power #22193 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
