Trophozoite and cyst adherence of two Acanthamoeba keratitis strains (
PHL/530 and PHL/978) to four types of unworn soft contact lens and the
ir removal by cleaning agents were studied. Greater adherence of the t
rophozoites compared with the cysts was recorded for both strains. Tro
phozoites of PHL/530 adhered in greater numbers to type I lenses (61.4
% poly[2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-38.6% water), with no differences b
etween type II (30% lidofilcon A-70% water), III (55% bufilcon A-45% w
ater) and IV lenses (42% etafilcon A-58% water). Adherence of PHL/978
trophozoites to type II lenses was decreased compared with their adher
ence to the other lenses. Cysts of both strains showed greater adheren
ce to type I and III lenses. Interstrain differences in trophozoite ad
herence occurred, with PHL/530 showing greater adherence to type I and
II lenses. Recommended cleaning procedures using three commercial sol
utions were effective in removing Acanthamoeba from the lenses. This s
tudy indicates the possible role of adherence to contact lenses in the
acquisition of Acanthamoeba keratitis, but shows that correct use of
commercial cleaning agents may be important in the prevention of infec
tion.