The efficacy of Acanthamoeba cyst kill and effects upon contact lenses of a novel ultraviolet lens disinfection system.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of a novel ultraviolet (UV) lens device on the killing of Acanthamoeba cysts and the impact of efficacious doses of UV upon soft contact lens parameter and material characteristics.

Design: Prospective, in vitro, experimental study of a device.

Methods: A UV lens device was constructed and used to expose Acanthamoeba cysts to various levels of UV irradiation.

Development of a rapid DNA extraction method and one-step nested PCR for the detection of Naegleria fowleri from the environment.

Naegleria fowleri is a small free-living amoebo-flagellate found in natural and manmade thermal aquatic habitats worldwide. The organism is pathogenic to man causing fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Infection typically results from bathing in contaminated water and is usually fatal.

Antimicrobial efficacy of multi-purpose contact lens disinfectant solutions following evaporation.

Purpose: Non-compliance is a significant factor in contact lens related microbial keratitis and includes solution reuse and failure to recap the lens storage case resulting in evaporation effects. To address this, impact of partial evaporation on the antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose contact lens care solutions was investigated.

Methods: Solutions were evaporated under a stream of air to 2× and 4× concentration and challenged with Fusarium solani (ATCC 36031), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Acanthamoeba castellanii (ATCC 50370).

The disinfection efficacy of MeniCare soft multipurpose solution against Acanthamoeba and viruses using stand-alone biocidal and regimen testing.

Purpose: To assess the disinfection efficacy of MeniCare Soft contact lens multipurpose solution against Acanthamoeba and viruses in suspension and when inoculated on to contact lenses and subjected to rub-and-rinse or no-rub-and-rinse care regimes.

Methods: MeniCare Soft was challenged with Acanthamoeba spp trophozoites or cysts, herpes simplex virus (type 1), adenovirus (type 8), and poliovirus (type 2) and the log reduction in Acanthamoeba viability and viral infectivity determined over time. In addition, contact lenses were incubated with Acanthamoeba and viruses and the number of viable organisms determined after the lenses were processed using rub-and-rinse or no-rub-and-rinse care regimes followed by a 4 hr soaking time.