CDA - Improving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

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Investigator: Jeremy Keenan, MD, MPH
Sponsor: Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc.

Location(s): United States

Description

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a corneal infection that primarily affects contact lens wearers in the United States, and agricultural workers in developing countries. This infection can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We currently have a planning grant from the National Eye Institute to design a clinical trial. The proposed trial will (1) assess the value of newer diagnostic modalities for acanthamoeba keratitis, including confocal microscopy and polymerase chain reaction, (2) compare treatment with a single anti-amoebic agent versus multiple agents, and (3) assess the value of adjunctive topical corticosteroid therapy. We are currently performing several preliminary studies, including studies of the risk factors and outcomes of acanthamoeba keratitis, and microbiological studies of the susceptibility of recent acanthamoeba isolates to a variety of anti-amoebic agents.