Free-living, cosmopolitan amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus may be the causative agents of
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) – a progressive, vision-threatening infection of the human cornea described
particularly among contact lens wearers. Use of contact lens care solutions, effective against these
organisms, is important in preventing AK infections. 3 different strains of Acanthamoeba castellanii of
the T4 genotype (Neff strain and two others, isolated from patients with AK) were exposed to 4 selected
multipurpose contact lens care solutions available in Poland: Ciba Vision AoSept Plus, Bausch & Lomb
ReNu MultiPlus, Alcon Opti-Free, Ciba Vision Solo Care Aqua. No amoebicidal effect was observed. The
strongest amoebostatic effect was visible after 24 h of exposition to Opti-Free and ReNu solution and
associated with percentage increase of rounded, motionless forms. This is significantly longer than
minimum disinfection time recommended by manufacturers of all tested multipurpose solutions.
Surprisingly, no clear induction of the encystation process was observed.