Propylene glycol and contact-lens solutions containing this diol induce pseudocyst formation in acanthamoebae.

Abstract

Propylene glycol used as an ophthalmic demulcent in certain contact-lens care systems has been included recently among factors responsible for increasing Acanthamoeba keratitis. In this study, we provide evidence that propylene glycol as well as examined contact-lens solutions containing it induce rapid differentiation of acanthamoebae into pseudocysts. The partial resistance of the pseudocysts and their reversibility to viable trophozoites even after 24-h exposure to the contact-lens solutions indicate a potential risk of infection to contact-lens users.

• Authors: Jarmila Kliescikova, Jaroslav Kulda, Eva Nohynkova
• Journal: Experimental parasitology (Exp Parasitol) Vol. 127 Issue 1 Pg. 326-8 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1090-2449 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20728440 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Contact Lens Solutions
• Propylene Glycol

Topics

• Acanthamoeba (classification, drug effects, pathogenicity, physiology)
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis (etiology)
• Contact Lens Solutions (adverse effects, chemistry)
• Genotype
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
• Microscopy, Fluorescence
• Propylene Glycol (adverse effects)
• Risk Factors