Abstract :
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe and potentially blinding corneal infection caused by the protozoan Acanthamoeba. Despite its rare occurrence, AK poses significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management due to its complex pathogenesis and resistance to conventional therapies. Experimental models have played a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the disease and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This abstract review the various experimental models utilized to study Acanthamoeba keratitis. These models encompass both in vitro and in vivo systems, enabling researchers to simulate the pathogenic processes involved and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. In vitro, models include cell cultures, corneal epithelial cell lines, and three-dimensional corneal constructs. These systems allow the investigation of Acanthamoeba adhesion, invasion, host immune responses, and drug efficacy. They provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Acanthamoeba pathogenesis and aid in the screening of potential anti-Acanthamoeba agents. In vivo models, including animal models such as rabbits and mice, mimic the clinical manifestations of AK and provide a platform for assessing disease progression, evaluating host immune responses, and testing therapeutic interventions. These models have been instrumental in elucidating the factors influencing Acanthamoeba pathogenesis, including host susceptibility, immune responses, and corneal tissue interactions. Overall, experimental models of
Acanthamoeba keratitis have significantly contributed to our understanding of the disease and provided a platform for developing and evaluating novel treatment strategies. The insights gained from these models hold promise for developing more effective therapies, aiming to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the devastating consequences of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Keyword :
Acanthamoeba keratitis, Animal model, Contact lens, Mice, Rat, Rabbit, Hamster.