The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba infections: current status and future implications

Acanthamoeba are opportunistic protozoan parasites that can cause painful, visionthreatening keratitis. However the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of Acanthamoeba keratitis remain incompletely understood. Most cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis develop as a result of poor hygiene in contact lens care but it is unclear how amoebae transmigrate from the environment into the cornea leading to inflammation, photophobia and blindness. Acanthamoeba keratitis has become increasingly important in the past few decades due to increasing populations of contact lens users. The mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba are highly complex, depending on the virulence properties of the parasite, host susceptibility and the environmental conditions. Complete understanding of Acanthamoeba pathogenesis and its associated risks factors should allow us to design strategies for disease prevention and for the rational development of therapeutic interventions against these devastating infections.