The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba produce a progressive, blindi ng infection of the corneal surface. The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba kerat itis involves parasite-mediated cytolysis and phagocytosis of corneal epith elial cells and induction of programmed cell death. Acanthamoeba spp. elabo rate a variety of proteases which may facilitate cytolysis of the corneal e pithelium, invasion of the extracellular matrix, and dissolution of the cor neal stromal matrix. (C) Elsevier, Paris.