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Review
. 2021 Sep;120(9):3051-3063.
doi: 10.1007/s00436-021-07261-1. Epub 2021 Aug 5.

Genotype distribution of Acanthamoeba in keratitis: a systematic review

Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl  1 , Júlia Paes  1 , Marilise Brittes Rott  2
Affiliations
Review

Genotype distribution of Acanthamoeba in keratitis: a systematic review

Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl et al. Parasitol Res. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness. In recent years, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has rapidly increased, growing its importance to human health. This systematic review aims to assess the distribution of Acanthamoeba sp. genotypes causing keratitis around the world, considering the sample collected type and the used identification method. Most of the cases were found in Asia and Europe. Not surprisingly, the T4 genotype was the most prevalent worldwide, followed by T3, T15, T11, and T5. Furthermore, the T4 genotype contains a higher number of species. Given the differences in pathology, susceptibility to treatment, and clinical outcome between distinct genotypes, it is essential to genotype isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases to help to establish a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities, resulting in better drug therapies and successful treatment in cases of this important ocular infection.

Keywords: Acanthamoeba spp.; Free-living amoebae; Genotype; Keratitis; Protozoan.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Publications per year of Acanthamoeba keratitis, indicating the genotype of the isolate and year of publication
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Relation between AK cases with the continents and genotypes returned. The number of cases of each genotype can be seen in parentheses
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Worldwide cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis and their respective genotypes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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