Acanthamoeba spp.: efficacy of Bioclen FR One Step, a povidone-iodine based system for the disinfection of contact lenses.

Pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba are causative agents of a serious sight-threatening infection of the eye known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. The prevalence of this infection has risen in the past 20years, mainly due to the increase in number of contact lens wearers. Bioclen FR One Step (Ophtecs Corporation) is the only available povidone-iodine based system for the disinfection of silicone hydrogel lenses and soft contact lenses on the market.

Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff: In vitro activity against the trophozoite stage of a natural sesquiterpene and a synthetic cobalt(II)-lapachol complex.

In this study, the in vitro activities of a natural sesquiterpene, alpha-cyperotundone, isolated from the root bark of Maytenus retusa and a cobalt(II)-complex of a natural occurring prenyl hydroxynaphthoquinone (lapachol) were evaluated against the trophozoite stage of Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff using a previously developed colorimetric 96-well microtiter plate assay, based on the oxido-reduction of Alamar Blue(R). The obtained activities showed that these two compounds were able to inhibit the in vitro growth of the amoebae at relatively low concentrations. Further identification of the molecular targets of these products and their effects on acanthamoebae should be determined to evaluate their possible therapeutic use.

Acanthamoeba spp.: in vitro effects of clinical isolates on murine macrophages, osteosarcoma and HeLa cells.

Three different cell lines (murine macrophages, HeLa and osteosarcoma cells) were assayed in order to check for the manifestation of the cytopathic effects of three strains of Acanthamoeba recently isolated in our laboratory from contact lens cases: CLC-16, CLC-41.r and CLC-51-l. Adhesion and cytotoxicity assays were carried out with these strains and the type strain Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff as a control.

Isolation of Balamuthia mandrillaris from urban dust, free of known infectious involvement.

The free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris can cause fatal encephalitis in humans and other mammals. The organism is associated with soils, and soil exposure has been identified as a risk factor for this pathogen. However, B.

The potential pathogenicity of chlorhexidine-sensitive Acanthamoeba strains isolated from contact lens cases from asymptomatic individuals in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Pathogenic strains of the genus Acanthamoeba are causative agents of a serious sight-threatening infection of the eye known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. The prevalence of this infection has risen in the past 20 years, mainly due to the increase in number of contact lens wearers. In this study, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba in a risk group constituted by asymptomatic contact lens wearers from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, was evaluated.

Glycogen phosphorylase in Acanthamoeba spp.: determining the role of the enzyme during the encystment process using RNA interference.

Acanthamoeba infections are difficult to treat due to often late diagnosis and the lack of effective and specific therapeutic agents. The most important reason for unsuccessful therapy seems to be the existence of a double-wall cyst stage that is highly resistant to the available treatments, causing reinfections. The major components of the Acanthamoeba cyst wall are acid-resistant proteins and cellulose.

Early diagnosis of amoebic keratitis due to a mixed infection with Acanthamoeba and Hartmannella.

A mixed keratitis due to Acanthamoeba and Hartmannella species is reported. The patient was a soft contact lens wearer. Early diagnosis was achieved by polymerase chain reaction and culture.

Clinical efficacy of antiparasite treatments against intestinal helminths and haematic protozoa in Gallotia caesaris (lizards).

Intestinal helminths and blood protozoa are common parasites of lizards. In captivity they can be a serious problem, but no information on treatments is available. In this study, several antiparasitic drugs were studied in Gallotia caesaris (Lacertida) from La Gomera, the Canary Islands, Spain.

Long-term, low-maintenance storage of Acanthamoeba strains.

A simple, low cost method is described for the long-term storage of the potential human pathogen Acanthamoeba. Amoebae are placed in dried, sterile clay pellets within which they form cysts that remain viable and pure for at least 5 years. This method compares favorably with other storage methods and requires no specialist equipment.

Evaluation of Acanthamoeba isolates from environmental sources in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Tests for potentially pathogenic amoebae were carried out in order to determine the presence of free-living amoebae of genus Acanthamoeba in soil and beach sand sources related to human environments in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Acanthamoeba identification was based on the morphology of cyst and trophozoite forms and PCR amplification with a genus specific primer pair. The pathogenical potential of Acanthamoeba isolates was characterized by temperature and osmotolerance assays and PCR reactions with two primer pairs related to Acanthamoeba pathogenesis.