Should Veterinary Practitioners Be Concerned about Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Abstract

When presented with an animal exhibiting signs of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), such as impaired vision, mucoid discharges, redness, swelling, and corneal oedema, most veterinarians would think of bacteria, viruses, or fungi as the potential causative agent(s). However, evidence has arisen in recent years of a possible connection between the protozoan Acanthamoeba and keratitis in animals. Acanthamoeba infection is underdiagnosed, but potentially common, in animals. In view of the paucity of evidence regarding Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in animals, this review has been written to increase awareness of veterinary professionals of the potential threat associated with AK and to stimulate more studies into the extent of occurrence and clinical impact of AK in animals.