Identification and Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. from Used Contact Lenses Collected Among the UiTM Students

Abstract

Acanthamoeba spp. is a microscopic free-living amoeba that can cause permanent blindness. The use of contact lenses is one of the major factors that can contribute to the infection as contact lenses on the eye create micro-abrasion on the cornea creating an entry for microorganisms or by creating low-oxygen environments that render the normal integrity of cornea. The aim of this study was to test the reliability and reproducibility methods in determining the presence and species of Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoite or cyst from used contact lenses in a non-clinical set up laboratory.