Acanthamoeba ability to adhere to different contact lenses
Reviewed by Magdalena Popiela

This study tested ability of Acanthamoeba lugdunensis trophozoites to adhere to silicon hydrogel contact lenses (SHCL) and how this is influenced by different multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPS). Three generations of SHCL were tested: first generation – Air Optix, second generation – Acuvue Oasys, and third generation – Biofinity. Three MPS solutions were tested – each containing different disinfectants: Biotrue, Opti-Free Express and ReNu Fresh. Lenses were incubated with Acanthamoeba trophozoites for 18 hours before their adhesion to lenses was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Three lenses served as controls; the rest were soaked in different MPSs for six hours before re-assessing the adherence. Acanthamoeba showed greater affinity for first generation SHCLs compared to second and third generation SHCLs, with no trophozoites identified on the surface of third generation of SHCLs. The sites for adhesion were related to the lens surface irregularities with acanthopodia of Acanthamoeba trophozoites adhering to small ridges or folds on the lens surface. Opti-Free Express containing Myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (MAPD) was able to significantly reduce the adhesion of Acanthamoeba trophozoites on SHCL compared to MPS containing Polyhexamethylene biguanide or polyquad. This study suggests that third generation SHCLs and MPS containing MAPD might reduce the risk for infective Acanthamoeba keratitis by minimising Acanthamoeba trophozoites adherence to lens surface.

Adhesion of Acanthamoeba on silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
Lee GH, Park MK, Yu HS.
CORNEA
2016;35(5):666-8.