Blindness due to acanthamoeba: first case report from Sudan

ABSTRACT

Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan widely distributed in soil, water, and air. It can cause corneal infection [keratitis] in man, and may lead to blindness of the affected eye in 15% of untreated cases. The main risk factors are eye trauma and contact lens wearing. Early presentation of Acanthamoeba keratitis patients usually includes ocular pain, photophobia, and a unilateral red eye. The story of a female Sudanese housewife who suffered a blind left eye due to Acanthamoeba is described in this report