Objective: To study the epidimiology of Acanthamoeba and to evaluate the
effectiveness of some recent drugs against parasite.
Material and Methods: The study was carried out from March to May 2005 at the
ophthalmic clinic of King Fahad Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Samples of rinsing solutions
and saline of contact lens, tap water, Swimming pool water and Soil from Hufof city
Saudi Arabia were tested. Mice were used to infect them via intranasal inoculation
from isolated culture strain for confirming pathogenicity. Rokitamycin, polymixin B,
suramin and chloropromazin were used to study their effects on Acanthamoeba
growth in vitro.
Results: Acanthamoeba were detected in 20% of solution of contact lens, 20% of tap
water, 50% of swimming pool samples and 40% of soil samples. All animals died or
were sacrificed and had Acanthamoeba isolated from their organs. Higher percentage
of growth inhibition of Acanthamoeba cultured was shown by chloropromazine and
rokitamycin after 21 days (100%), while Polymyin B and Suramin showed 83% and
64% inhibition respectively.
Conclusion: Acanthamoeba isolated in significant percent of environmental sources.
Pathogenicity of organism was confirmed in mice. Contact lens wearers should be
aware of the risks associated with Acanthamoeba. Rokitamycin and chlorpromazine
showed good inhibition in vitro. (Rawal Med J 2007;32:56-59)
Key words: Acanthameba, contact lens, tap water, rokitamycin, keratitis
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