The purpose of the study is to describe epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) with special focus on the disease in nonusers of contact lenses (CLs). This study was a perspective based on authors’ experience and review of published literature. AK accounts for 2% of microbiology-proven cases of keratitis. Trauma and exposure to contaminated water are the main predisposing factors for the disease. Association with CLs is seen only in small fraction of cases. Contrary to classical description experience in India suggests that out of proportion pain, ring infiltrate, and radial keratoneuritis are seen in less than a third of cases. Majority of cases present with diffuse infiltrate, mimicking herpes simplex or fungal keratitis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of corneal scraping material and culture on nonnutrient agar with an overlay of Escherichia coli. Confocal microscopy can help diagnosis in patients with deep infiltrate; however, experience with technique and interpretation of images influences its true value. Primary treatment of the infection is biguanides with or without diamidines. Most patients respond to medical treatment. Corticosteroids play an important role in the management and can be used when indicated after due consideration to established protocols. Surgery is rarely needed in patients where definitive management is initiated within 3 weeks of onset of symptoms. Lamellar keratoplasty has been shown to have good outcome in cases needing surgery. Since the clinical features of AK in nonusers of CL are different, it will be important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the scenario wherein to suspect this infection. Medical treatment is successful if the disease is diagnosed early and management is initiated soon.
Malarial retinopathy is a set of retinal signs in severe malaria due to falciparum malaria. With increased recognition of severe manifestations of vivax malaria, a systematic study to evaluate retinal changes in vivax malaria could elaborate our knowledge about this neglected entity. This observational study included retinal examination of 104 adult patients (>14 years) with varying severity of vivax malaria admitted to a tertiary care center during peak seasons of 2012 and 2013. Thirty-eight percent of severe cases had a retinal sign as compared to 6% of nonsevere cases (p < 0.01). No statistically significant effect of residence or age on the presence of retinopathy was noted. Females were found to be more prone to develop a retinal sign (p < 0.01). Presence of retinal signs was significantly associated with anemia and jaundice. No statistical association was noted for retinal signs to be present in either renal dysfunction or altered thrombocytes count. The most common signs were arteriovenous changes, present in eight cases (19%) of severe malaria and three cases (5%) of non-severe malaria. Retinal hemorrhage was present in five cases (12%) of severe malaria and no case of non-severe malaria. Both superficial and deep hemorrhages were seen including white-centered hemorrhages. Other signs included cotton wool spots, hard exudates, blurred disk margins with spontaneous venous pulsations and bilateral disk edema. A correlation between retinal signs and severity parameters was drawn from the study. This is the first systemic study to evaluate the retinal changes in vivax malaria. Larger prospective studies should be done for further knowledge regarding retinal changes in vivax malaria, especially severe disease. Apart from its clinical significance, it might lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the systemic disease of vivax malaria.
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