title: Disinfection capacity of PuriLens contact lens cleaning unit against Acanthamoeba.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The PuriLens contact lens system is indicated for cleaning and disinfection of soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses by means of subsonic agitation to remove lens deposits and microorganisms, and ultraviolet irradiation of the storage solution for disinfection. The capacity of the PuriLens system to disinfect storage solutions contaminated with known concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acanthamoeba species was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial and antiparasitic efficacy of the PuriLens system was performed. Separated batches of the storage solution for the cleansing system were contaminated with stock strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. A comparison of the microbiologic content was made between the solution before and after the cycle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PuriLens system effectively eradicated S. aureus and P. aeruginosa organisms after a 15-minute cycle. However, viable cysts of acanthamoeba were recovered in the solution after the 15-minute cycle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PuriLens system is highly efficient in protecting against contamination with common bacterial ocular pathogens. Acanthamoeba cysts, however, can survive in the solution or contact lens bath undergoing integrated subsonic debridement and indirect ultraviolet light disinfection. Use of chemical disinfecting solutions that contain agents such as chlorhexidine or other cationic antiseptics may be advisable in conjunction with use of the PuriLens device, especially in high-risk settings.
authors.affiliation: Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Woods 259, Baltimore, MD 21287-9121, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Joon Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hyon
authors.forename: Jae Kyung
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Victor E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Reviglio
authors.forename: Harry T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Spahr
authors.forename: Terrence P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000048:Acanthamoeba / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000818:Animals; D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D018639:Contact Lens Solutions