Eye
Cornea
Acanthamoeba keratitis
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 7 September 2023 (update in progress)
Copyright: 2004-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Acanthamoeba keratitis [title] pathology
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Microscopic (histologic) description | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Pernick N. Acanthamoeba keratitis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyecorneaacanthamoeba.html. Accessed October 2nd, 2023.
Definition / general
- Rare but serious complication of contact lenses due to contamination of contact lens cleaning systems
- Organisms are ubiquitous protozoa in soil and fresh water
- Infections wax and wane, may infiltrate cornea along corneal nerve and cause pain
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Stromal neutrophils, necrotic tissue
- Amoebic cysts and trophozoites identifiable with H&E, highlighted with GMS, PAS
Differential diagnosis
- Fungal or herpetic keratitis
