Viability of Acanthamoeba after exposure to a multipurpose disinfecting contact lens solution and two hydrogen peroxide systems.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM:

Contact lens cases contaminated with Acanthamoeba are a major risk factor for an infection of the eye. In this study the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of three different contact lens storage solutions was tested.

METHODS:

A new multipurpose contact lens storage solution (Meni Care Plus) and a two step (Titmus H(2)O(2)) and one step (Oxysept Comfort) hydrogen peroxide system were tested for their effects on trophozoites and cysts of three different Acanthamoeba species: A castellanii, A hatchetti, and A lenticulata.

RESULTS:

After a soaking time of 8 hours (overnight soaking of contact lenses) the Titmus H(2)O(2) 0.6% solution showed very good amoebicidal effects, while Oxysept Comfort 3% H(2)O(2) could not effectively destroy the cysts of any of the three tested species. Viable cysts of the species A lenticulata and A hatchetti were still present after exposure to Meni Care Plus (0.0005% PHMB) for 8 hours.

CONCLUSION:

Not all of the three tested contact lens storage solutions have sufficient amoebicidal effects. The two step peroxide system Titmus H(2)O(2) is a very effective disinfectant contact lens solution in order to avoid a possible Acanthamoeba infection of the eye.

• Authors: K Hiti, J Walochnik, E M Haller-Schober, C Faschinger, H Aspöck
• Journal: The British journal of ophthalmology (Br J Ophthalmol) Vol. 86 Issue 2 Pg. 144-6 (Feb 2002) ISSN: 0007-1161 [Print] England
• PMID: 11815336 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biguanides
• Contact Lens Solutions
• Disinfectants
• polihexanide
• Hydrogen Peroxide

Topics

• Acanthamoeba (classification, drug effects, growth & development)
• Animals
• Biguanides (pharmacology)
• Contact Lens Solutions (pharmacology)
• Disinfectants (pharmacology)
• Disinfection (methods)
• Equipment Contamination
• Humans
• Hydrogen Peroxide (pharmacology)