Concomitant Potentially Contagious Factors Detected in Poland and Regarding Strains, Etiological Agents of Keratitis in Humans.

BACKGROUND

Diseases in humans caused by amphizoic amoebae that can result in visual impairment and even blindness, have recently been identified more frequently worldwide. Etiologically complex incidents of keratitis, including those connected with strains detected in Poland, were evaluated in this study.

METHODS

Corneal samples from cases resistant to antimicrobial therapy assessed for epidemiological, microbiological and parasitological aspects were investigated by phase-contrast microscope, slit lamp and by confocal microscopy. In vitro techniques were applied for detection of bacteria and fungi, and corneal isolates cultured under axenic condition using BSC medium-for detection of spp.; molecular techniques were applied for amoeba species identification.

RESULTS

Most etiologically complicated keratitis cases, detected in ~84% of incidents, was due to exposure of contact lenses to tap water or pool water; trophozoites and cysts of , concomitant bacteriae, e.g., , fungi and microfilariae were identified in contact lens users.

CONCLUSIONS

In samples from contact lens wearers where microbial keratitis is identified along with some connection with the patient's exposure to contaminated water environments, a risk of spp. infections should be considered. Understanding the complicated relationship between spp., co-occurring pathogens including associated endosymbionts is needed. In vivo confocal microscopy and in vitro cultivation were necessary to identify potentially contagious concomitant factors affecting the complex course of the keratitis.