[Keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba in patients with contact lenses].
BACKGROUND
Keratitis by Acanthamoeba is a severe infectious complication which may be derived from the use and bad preservation of contact lens. This disease la increasingly more frequent and rapid diagnosis and treatment condition the posterior evolution of the disease.


METHODS
The cases of 2 contact lens waters who developed keratitis by Acanthamoeba are presented. The diagnostic methods and treatment are commented upon.


RESULTS
Keratitis by Acanthamoeba was diagnosed in 2 patients following analysis of corneal scrapings and of the saline solution used for lens maintenance. Trophozoites and cystes of this parasite were observed in all the samples processed. The evolution was good in the patient treated at 15 days after initiation of the symptoms. However, the evolution was very bad in the patient who delayed in initiating the amebicide treatment. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in both patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific treatment with derivates of propamidine implemented early may avoid severe ocular complications. As prophylaxis for contact lens users, it is recommended that the contact lens be maintained clean and correctly care for, and the use of home-made saline solutions which are easily contaminated by Acanthamoeba, should be avoided.
de Miguel
I
I
Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Ferrando
R
R
Santan
O E
OE
Martín-Sánchez
A M
AM
D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged