Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yuheng Zhang, Xizhan Xu, Zhenyu Wei, Kai Cao, Zijun Zhang, Qingfeng Liang
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare parasitic infection of the cornea that can lead to permanent blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The annual incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis was calculated to be 23,561 cases, with the lowest rates in Tunisia and Belgium, and the highest in India. Analysis of Acanthamoeba sequences revealed multiple genotypes, with T4 being the most prevalent. Early diagnosis through staining, PCR, or in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is crucial for prognosis, with IVCM being the most recommended approach.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Mathias Roth, Adriana Balasiu, Loay Daas, Christoph Holtmann, Anna Servera, Marcus Walckling, Colin R. MacKenzie, Thomas A. Fuchsluger, Gerd Geerling
Summary: The study aimed to assess the impact of Acanthamoeba PCR on the diagnosis and treatment of AK in a German tertiary referral center. The implementation of PCR significantly improved the timely diagnosis of AK, reduced the need for surgery, and improved the prognosis of patients.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Siobhan Moran, Ronnie Mooney, Fiona L. Henriquez
Summary: Cases of non-Acanthamoeba amoebic keratitis are often underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Early onset stromal disease is a crucial indicator for this condition. Accurate identification of the disease requires deep corneal scrapes and a combination approach involving culture, microscopy, and PCR techniques.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caitlin A. Moe, Prajna Lalitha, N. Venkatesh Prajna, Jeena Mascarenhas, Muthiah Srinivasan, Manoranhan Das, Arun Panigrahi, Revathi Rajaraman, Gerami D. Seitzman, Catherine E. Oldenburg, Thomas M. Lietman, Jeremy D. Keenan
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis is more difficult to treat and has worse clinical outcomes compared to bacterial or fungal ulcers.
Article
Parasitology
Derya Dirim Erdogann, Mehmet Aykur, Nur Selvi Gunel, Melis Palamar, Ozlem Barut Selver, Buket Ozel, Ayse Yagci, Cumhur Gunduz, Hande Dagci
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the presence and genotypes of Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis patients and in samples from asymptomatic contact lens users. Acanthamoeba was detected in a small percentage of keratitis patients, with the main genotypes being T4 and T5. However, no Acanthamoeba was found in samples from asymptomatic contact lens users.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Jen Wang, Sung-Chou Li, Wei-Chen Lin, Fu-Chin Huang
Summary: This study reveals the abundant anaerobic Gram-positive rods present in severe keratitis isolate and characterizes the association between Acanthamoeba and ocular flora in AK progression. Further analysis shows that Blautia producta is positively correlated with the disease course, while Bacteroides ovatus is abundant in early-stage keratitis isolates.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Binod Rayamajhee, Savitri Sharma, Mark Willcox, Fiona L. Henriquez, Raksheeth Nathan Rajagopal, Gauri Shankar Shrestha, Dinesh Subedi, Bhupesh Bagga, Nicole Carnt
Summary: This study aimed to examine the Acanthamoeba species and genotypes recovered from patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis, determine the presence of endosymbionts in ocular isolates of Acanthamoeba, and review the clinical presentations.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ting Zhang, Lixin Xie, Yanling Dong, Jun Cheng
Summary: Therapeutic keratoplasty (TKP) is a treatment option for severe Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) that responds poorly to antiamoebic therapy (AAT). However, there is a risk of relapse and the visual prognosis is guarded. Topical corticosteroid use before AAT and hypopyon are the two risk factors for recurrence.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Maria Luiza Carneiro Buechele, Bruno Fonseca Nunes, Fabiola Branco Filippin-Monteiro, Karin Silva Caumo
Summary: Acanthamoeba spp. are pathogens that cause keratitis, and their drug resistance makes treatment difficult. This study aims to summarize literature since 2010 to reveal trends and future research directions in keratitis treatment.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Paula A. Sepulveda-Beltran, Harry Levine, Diego S. Altamirano, Jaime D. Martinez, Heather Durkee, Keenan Mintz, Roger Leblanc, Jana D'Amato Tothova, Darlene Miller, Jean-Marie Parel, Guillermo Amescua
Summary: RB-PDAT is a potential adjunct therapy for infectious keratitis that may reduce the need for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Patients who undergo keratoplasty after RB-PDAT may have a higher probability of graft survival.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Denise Leal dos Santos, Veridiana Gomes Virginio, Francisco Kercher Berte, Karina Rodrigues Lorenzatto, Diane Ruschel Marinho, Sergio Kwitko, Claudete Ines Locatelli, Eduarda Correa Freitas, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: This study reported the clinical and molecular diagnosis outcomes of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases in the southern region of Brazil during the summer of 2019. The presence of a bacterial endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba isolates requires further research to understand its potential role in the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba infections.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Daniele Corsaro
Summary: Group 1 acanthamoebae are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other Acanthamoeba species. They have been recently found in cases of human keratitis and encephalitis, although their pathogenic importance is likely minor compared to species in Groups 2 and 3. Identifying genotypes using molecular methods may present difficulties and lead to misidentifications.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl, Julia Paes, Marilise Brittes Rott
Summary: The Acanthamoeba genus is widely prevalent globally, causing Acanthamoeba keratitis primarily in Asia and Europe. The T4 genotype is the most common worldwide, with variations in pathology and treatment susceptibility among different genotypes. Genotyping isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases is essential for better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities and successful treatment.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarah Atta, Rohan Bir Singh, Keerthana Samanthapudi, Chandrashan Perera, Mahmoud Omar, Shannon Nayyar, Regis P. Kowalski, Vishal Jhanji
Summary: This retrospective case series evaluated the clinical history and presentation of culture and PCR-negative infectious keratitis cases. Out of 121 cases included, the most common presumed etiology at presentation was viral (38.01%) followed by bacterial (27.27%) and fungal (8.26%). Risk factors included ocular surface diseases and contact lens use. The visual outcomes were generally favorable, but a history of ocular surface disease and poor contact lens hygiene were associated with worse outcomes.
Article
Ophthalmology
Marta Vianya-Estopa, Nery Garcia-Porta, David P. Pinero, Luisa Simo Mannion, Eldre W. Beukes, James S. Wolffsohn, Peter M. Allen
Summary: The study found that most contact lens wearers in Spain followed hand hygiene regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were still areas for improvement such as the 20-second handwashing rule and using shared towels. Factors needing attention included lens case cleaning and renewal, avoiding water exposure, and knowing when to cease lens wear. Continued education by eye care practitioners is essential to ensure safe contact lens wear during the pandemic.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Alex Ferdi, Vuong Nguyen, Himal Kandel, Jeremy C. K. Tan, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Marco Abbondanza, Stephanie Watson
Summary: Steeper maximum keratometry and younger age were the most clinically useful baseline predictors of progression, as they were associated with worsening of two clinical parameters.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ikrame Zeouk, Ines Sifaoui, Amel Ben Jalloul, Khadija Bekhti, Isabel L. Bazzocchi, Jose E. Pinero, Ignacio A. Jimenez, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: Oxidative stress is associated with invasive diseases, and there is a need for new antioxidants. In this study, antioxidant bioassay-guided fractionation of Inula viscosa leaves led to the identification of three known compounds, ilicic acid, taxifolin, and quercetin, with taxifolin and quercetin showing the highest activity. Our findings suggest that I. viscosa leaves may serve as a natural source of antioxidants.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Himal Kandel, Vuong Nguyen, Stefano Piermarocchi, Lala Ceklic, Kelvin Teo, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Stefania Miotto, Vincent Daien, Mark C. Gillies, Stephanie L. Watson
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of eye diseases on quality of life using the IVI questionnaire and explored the relationship between IVI scores and visual acuity. The results showed that keratoconus patients had lower IVI scores compared to patients with retinal diseases. There was a weak correlation between visual acuity and QoL scores, suggesting a complex relationship.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jorge L. Alio Del Barrio, Ana De la Mata, Maria P. De Miguel, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Teresa Nieto-Miguel, Mona El Zarif, Marta Cadenas-Martin, Marina Lopez-Paniagua, Sara Galindo, Margarita Calonge, Jorge L. Alio
Summary: Adipose-derived stem cells have the advantages of easy accessibility, multipotency, and tissue regeneration potential, making them a potential source for cell-free regenerative therapy, particularly for the regeneration of the human cornea.
Article
Microbiology
Inigo Arberas-Jimenez, Aitor Rizo-Liendo, Ines Sifaoui, Javier Chao-Pellicer, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: This study evaluated the cysticidal activity of four different molecules against Naegleria fowleri and found that these molecules showed higher activity against the cyst stage. This research contributes to the development of future PAM treatments.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Youssef Snoussi, Ines Sifaoui, Ahmed M. Khalil, Arvind K. Bhakta, Oleg Semyonov, Pavel S. Postnikov, Laurent Michely, Remy Pires, Stephane Bastide, Jose Enrique-Pinero Barroso, Jacob Lorenzo Morales, Mohamed M. Chehimi
Summary: This study describes a simple method to prepare silver-loaded biochar and demonstrates its highly effective antiparasitic activity against certain tropical diseases. The method has the potential to convert agricultural waste into effective nanomaterials for tropical disease treatment.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Alex C. Ferdi, Himal Kandel, Vuong Nguyen, Jeremy Tan, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Marco Abbondanza, Stephanie L. Watson
Summary: The long-term outcomes of epithelium-off cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients were determined in this study. Most patients showed stable keratoconus up to 5 years after the CXL treatment, but a small proportion experienced reduced vision.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Sifaoui, Patricia Diaz-Rodriguez, Ruben L. Rodriguez-Exposito, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia, Lizbeth Salazar Villatoro, Ismael Castelan-Ramirez, Maritza Omana-Molina, Alexis Oliva, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: The present study aimed to develop Pitavastatin loaded nanoparticles suitable for ophthalmic administration and designed for the management of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. The nanoparticles obtained through a nanoprecipitation-solvent displacement method showed good amoebicidal activity and could solve the issue of poor aqueous solubility of Pitavastatin.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathalia Nocchi, Alejandro Gonzalez-Orive, Alberto Hernandez-Creus, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, Adriana Rodriguez, Rodrigo Morchon, Ana R. Diaz-Marrero, Jose J. Fernandez
Summary: Millepora alcicornis, also known as fire coral, is a tropical hydrozoa species that produces thermolabile proteins, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and alciporin, a pore-forming protein (PFP). The venom contained in the nematocysts of this species displays hemolytic activity primarily through the action of alciporin, which targets sphingomyelin. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the evolution of hemolytic damage at the nanoscale.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ruben L. Rodriguez-Exposito, Desiree San Nicolas-Hernandez, Ines Sifaoui, Cristina Cuadrado, Lizbeth Salazar-Villatoro, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Antonio Hernandez-Daranas, Maritza Omana-Molina, Jose J. Fernandez, Ana R. Diaz-Marrero, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: Six meroterpenoids were isolated from Gongolaria abies-marina, with Gongolarones A and C showing the lowest IC50 values against different stages of Acanthamoeba. These compounds were found to induce programmed cell death (PCD) in Acanthamoeba.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Desiree San Nicolas-Hernandez, Carlos J. Bethencourt-Estrella, Atteneri Lopez-Arencibia, Eduardo Hernandez-Alvarez, Ines Sifaoui, Isabel L. Bazzocchi, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, Ignacio A. Jimenez, Jose E. Pinero
Summary: This study reports the leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities of twenty-four known silyl-ether derivatives of withaferin A. Among them, derivative 10 exhibited higher activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites with lower cytotoxicity. These derivatives appear to induce apoptosis-like and autophagy events leading to programmed cell death.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Cadenas-Martin, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Maria P. De Miguel
Summary: This study developed a protocol for deriving human limbal stem cells (LSCs) from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) that is compatible with the standard carrier human amniotic membrane. The best protocol achieved optimal differentiation efficiency and will benefit patients with LSC deficiency, aiding in the restoration of vision.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Youssef Snoussi, Ines Sifaoui, Mohamed El Garah, Ahmed M. Khalil, Mohamed Jouini, Souad Ammar, Jacob Lorenzo -Morales, Mohamed M. Chehimi
Summary: The conversion processes of sugarcane generate a large amount of waste called sugarcane bagasse. This study proposes a zero-waste pathway to turn sugarcane bagasse into high added-value functional materials. By macerating and ultrasonication, a natural extract was obtained and used as a bio-reducing medium. Then, the sugarcane bagasse was impregnated with a bimetallic solution to produce a composite and carbonized to fabricate biochar, while residual liquid waste was used to obtain free nanoparticles. The biochar showed high catalytic activity and the nanoparticles exhibited exceptional effects against certain protozoans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Inigo Arberas-Jimenez, Ines Sifaoui, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Aitor Rizo-Liendo, Luis Sancho, Andoni Urruticoechea, Jose E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Summary: Chlorination was able to decrease the number of viable N. fowleri trophozoites, but not eliminate them completely, while the combination of UV light and chlorination allowed for complete removal of the parasite from the water.
Review
Parasitology
Natalia Karla Bellini, Otavio Henrique Thiemann, Maria Reyes-Batlle, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, Adriana Oliveira Costa
Summary: This study aims to review the research on FLA in Brazil, revealing a growing interest in the topic in the past decade. The majority of studies focused on Acanthamoeba, with the Southeast, South, and Midwest regions being the main areas of research.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2022)
