Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a vision-threatening eye infection induced by the free-living species of the amoeba genus <i>Acanthamoeba</i>, presenting considerable therapeutic difficulties due to its frequently delayed diagnosis, chronic nature, and resistance to standard treatments. T...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Lanxing Fu Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik Gerd Geerling Scott Robbie Fabiana D’Esposito Mutali Musa Daniele Tognetto Rosa Giglio Caterina Gagliano Marco Zeppieri |
| author_facet | Lanxing Fu Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik Gerd Geerling Scott Robbie Fabiana D’Esposito Mutali Musa Daniele Tognetto Rosa Giglio Caterina Gagliano Marco Zeppieri |
| author_sort | Lanxing Fu |
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| description | Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a vision-threatening eye infection induced by the free-living species of the amoeba genus <i>Acanthamoeba</i>, presenting considerable therapeutic difficulties due to its frequently delayed diagnosis, chronic nature, and resistance to standard treatments. This review examines the changing landscape of AK, emphasizing recent developments in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. We examine the molecular pathways that enable <i>Acanthamoeba</i> invasion and persistence in the cornea, and how comprehending these processes can inform the creation of more effective treatment therapies. The review emphasizes current advancements in diagnostic methodologies, such as PCR-based tests and in vivo confocal imaging, which have enhanced early detection rates and diagnostic precision. Furthermore, we analyze contemporary treatment modalities, including antimicrobial therapy and surgical procedures, while recognizing the difficulties presented by antimicrobial resistance and the lack of standardized treatment protocols. This review seeks to deliver a thorough examination of AK, presenting insights into cutting-edge treatments and pinpointing essential areas for future research to address the persistent hurdles in controlling this potentially devastating ocular infection. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e57f659a2ac34c28b854d0eb1eb4215e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj-art-e57f659a2ac34c28b854d0eb1eb4215e2025-08-20T03:27:32ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-06-0115693310.3390/life15060933Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future DirectionsLanxing Fu0Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik1Gerd Geerling2Scott Robbie3Fabiana D’Esposito4Mutali Musa5Daniele Tognetto6Rosa Giglio7Caterina Gagliano8Marco Zeppieri9Department of Ophthalmology, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Canterbury CT1 3NG, UKDepartment of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, GermanyDepartment of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, GermanyDepartment of Ophthalmology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UKImperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UKDepartment of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin 300283, NigeriaDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, ItalyDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, ItalyDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, ItalyDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, ItalyAcanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a vision-threatening eye infection induced by the free-living species of the amoeba genus <i>Acanthamoeba</i>, presenting considerable therapeutic difficulties due to its frequently delayed diagnosis, chronic nature, and resistance to standard treatments. This review examines the changing landscape of AK, emphasizing recent developments in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. We examine the molecular pathways that enable <i>Acanthamoeba</i> invasion and persistence in the cornea, and how comprehending these processes can inform the creation of more effective treatment therapies. The review emphasizes current advancements in diagnostic methodologies, such as PCR-based tests and in vivo confocal imaging, which have enhanced early detection rates and diagnostic precision. Furthermore, we analyze contemporary treatment modalities, including antimicrobial therapy and surgical procedures, while recognizing the difficulties presented by antimicrobial resistance and the lack of standardized treatment protocols. This review seeks to deliver a thorough examination of AK, presenting insights into cutting-edge treatments and pinpointing essential areas for future research to address the persistent hurdles in controlling this potentially devastating ocular infection.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/6/933acanthamoeba keratitiscontact lenskeratitiscorneain vivo confocal microscopy |
| spellingShingle | Lanxing Fu Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik Gerd Geerling Scott Robbie Fabiana D’Esposito Mutali Musa Daniele Tognetto Rosa Giglio Caterina Gagliano Marco Zeppieri Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions Life acanthamoeba keratitis contact lens keratitis cornea in vivo confocal microscopy |
| title | Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions |
| title_full | Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions |
| title_fullStr | Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions |
| title_short | Navigating the Challenges of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Trends and Future Directions |
| title_sort | navigating the challenges of acanthamoeba keratitis current trends and future directions |
| topic | acanthamoeba keratitis contact lens keratitis cornea in vivo confocal microscopy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/6/933 |
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