Fungal Contamination Of Contact Lenses
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Fungal Contamination Of Contact Lenses
Microbial corneal infection is the most serious and "most common vision threatening" complication of contact lens wear, which is believed to be strongly associated with contact lens cases. Such infections "are being increasingly recognized as an important cause of morbidity and blindness" and "may even be life-threatening." While the cornea is believed to be the most common site for fungal eye infections, other parts of the eye such as the orbit, sclera, eyelids, and more may also be involved. Contact lens cases are recognized as a "potential source of pathogens associated with corneal ulcers" and according to Moorfields Eye Hospital, contact lens wear is “the most prevalent risk factor for new cases of corneal ulcers.” Contaminants "isolated from contact lens associated corneal ulcers have often been shown to be" the same as found in the patient's contact lens case, thus providing evidence contaminated contact lens cases may be a "replenishable source of pathogenic microbes. ...
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Contact Lens 1
Contact may refer to: Interaction Physical interaction * Contact (geology), a common geological feature * Contact lens or contact, a lens placed on the eye * Contact sport, a sport in which players make contact with other players or objects * Contact juggling * Contact mechanics, the study of solid objects that deform when touching each other * Contact process (mathematics), a model of an interacting particle system * Electrical contacts * '' Sparśa'', a concept in Buddhism that in Sanskrit/Indian language is translated as "contact", "touching", "sensation", "sense impression", etc. Social interaction * Contact (amateur radio) * Contact (law), a concept related to visitation rights * Contact (social), a person who can offer help in achieving goals * Contact Conference, an annual scientific conference * Extraterrestrial contact, see Search for extraterrestrial intelligence * First contact (anthropology), an initial meeting of two cultures * Language contact, the interaction of ...
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Acanthamoeba
''Acanthamoeba'' is a genus of amoeboid, amoebae that are commonly recovered from soil, fresh water, and other habitat (ecology), habitats. ''Acanthamoeba'' has two evolutive forms, the metabolically active trophozoite and a dormant, stress-resistant cyst. Trophozoites are small, usually 15 to 25 μm in length and amoeboid in shape. In nature, ''Acanthamoeba'' species are free-living bacterivores, but in certain situations, they can cause infections (acanthamebiasis) in humans and other animals. Distribution ''Acanthamoeba'' spp. are among the most prevalent protozoa found in the environment. They are distributed worldwide, and have been isolated from soil, air, sewage, seawater, chlorinated swimming pools, domestic tap water, bottled water, dental treatment units, hospitals, air-conditioning units, and contact lens cases. Additionally, they have been isolated from human skin, nasal cavities, throats, and intestines, as well as plants and other mammals. Role in disease Diseas ...
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Pythium
''Pythium'' is a genus of parasitic oomycetes. They were formerly classified as fungi. Most species are plant parasites, but ''Pythium insidiosum'' is an important pathogen of animals, causing pythiosis. The feet of the fungus gnat are frequently a vector for their transmission. Morphology ;Hyphae: ''Pythium'' species, like others in the family Pythiaceae, are usually characterized by their production of coenocytic hyphae without septations. ;Oogonia: Generally contain a single oospore. ;Antheridia: Contain an elongated and club-shaped antheridium. Ecological importance ''Pythium''-induced root rot is a common crop disease. When the organism kills newly emerged or emerging seedlings, it is known as damping off, and is a very common problem in fields and greenhouses. Thus there is tremendous interest in genetic host resistance, but no crop has ever developed adequate resistance to ''Pythium''. This disease complex usually involves other pathogens such as ''Phytophthora'' and ...
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List Of Invasive Fungi
Some fungi are considered invasive species in certain parts of the world: *''Amanita muscaria'' *''Amanita phalloides'' *'' Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis'' *'' Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans'' *'' Carpenterella'' *'' Cryphonectria parasitica'' – causes chestnut blight *'' Cucumispora dikerogammari'' *''Geosmithia morbida'' which, in partnership with the walnut twig beetle ''Pityophthorus juglandis'', causes thousand cankers disease *'' Heterobasidion irregulare'' *''Hymenoscyphus fraxineus'' *''Puccinia horiana'' – causes Chrysanthemum white rust *'' Puccinia psidii'' *'' Pucciniastrum americanum'' *'' Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum'' *certain ''Ophiostoma'' species which cause Dutch elm disease **''Ophiostoma ulmi'' **''Ophiostoma himal-ulmi'' **''Ophiostoma novo-ulmi'' *'' Pseudogymnoascus destructans'' *''Uredo rangelii'' References {{Reflist fungi A fungus ( : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes mi ...
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Scleritis
Scleritis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the white outer coating of the eye, known as the sclera. The disease is often contracted through association with other diseases of the body, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or rheumatoid arthritis. There are three types of scleritis: diffuse scleritis (the most common), nodular scleritis, and necrotizing scleritis (the most severe). Scleritis may be the first symptom of onset of connective tissue disease. Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera, a less serious condition that seldom develops into scleritis. Signs and symptoms Symptoms of scleritis include: *Redness of the sclera and conjunctiva, sometimes changing to a purple hue *Severe ocular pain, which may radiate to the temple or jaw. The pain is often described as deep or boring. *Photophobia and tearing *Decrease in visual acuity, possibly leading to blindness The pain of episcleritis is less severe than in scleritis. In hyperemia, there is a vis ...
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Fluconazole
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used for a number of fungal infections. This includes candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidiodomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor. It is also used to prevent candidiasis in those who are at high risk such as following organ transplantation, low birth weight babies, and those with neutropenia, low blood neutrophil counts. It is given either by mouth or by intravenous, injection into a vein. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and elevated transaminases, increased liver enzymes. Serious side effects may include liver problems, QT prolongation, and seizures. During pregnancy it may increase the risk of miscarriage while large doses may cause birth defects. Fluconazole is in the azole antifungal family of medication. It is believed to work by affecting the fungal cellular membrane. Fluconazole was patented in 1981 and came into commercial use in 1988. It is on the WHO Model Lis ...
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Itraconazole
Itraconazole, sometimes abbreviated ITZ, is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections. This includes aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis. It may be given by mouth or intravenously. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and headache. Severe side effects may include liver problems, heart failure, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. It is unclear if use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe. It is in the triazole family of medications. It stops fungal growth by affecting the cell membrane or affecting their metabolism. Itraconazole was patented in 1978 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1992. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Recent research works suggest itraconazole (ITZ) could also be used in the treatment of cancer by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway in a similar way to ...
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Triazoles
A triazole is a heterocyclic compound featuring a five-membered ring of two carbon atoms and three nitrogen atoms with molecular formula C2H3N3. Triazoles exhibit substantial isomerism, depending on the positioning of the nitrogen atoms within the ring. Many triazoles are versatile, biologically active compounds commonly used as fungicides and plant retardants. However, triazoles are also useful in bioorthogonal chemistry, because the large number of nitrogen atoms causes triazoles to react similar to azides. Lastly, the many free lone pairs in triazoles make them useful as coordination compounds, although not typically as haptic ligands. Isomerism There are four triazole isomers, which are conventionally divided into two pairs of tautomers. In the 1,2,3-triazoles, the three nitrogen atoms are adjacent; in the 1,2,4-triazoles, an interstitial carbon separates out one nitrogen atom. Each category has two tautomers that differ by which nitrogen has a hydrogen bonded ...
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Keratitis
Keratitis is a condition in which the eye's cornea, the clear dome on the front surface of the eye, becomes inflamed. The condition is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves any of the following symptoms: pain, impaired eyesight, photophobia (light sensitivity), red eye and a 'gritty' sensation. Classification (by chronicity) Acute * Acute epithelial keratitis * Nummular keratitis * Interstitial keratitis * Disciform keratitis Chronic * Neurotrophic keratitis * Mucous plaque keratitis Classification (infective) Viral * Herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis). Viral infection of the cornea is often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which frequently leaves what is called a 'dendritic ulcer'. * Herpes zoster keratitis, associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus, which is a form of shingles. Bacterial * Bacterial keratitis. Bacterial infection of the cornea can follow from an injury or from wearing contact lenses. The bacteria involved ...
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Natamycin
Natamycin, also known as pimaricin, is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections around the eye. This includes infections of the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is used as eyedrops. Natamycin is also used in the food industry as a preservative. Allergic reactions may occur. It is unclear if medical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe. It is in the macrolide and polyene families of medications. It results in fungal death by altering the cell membrane. Natamycin was discovered in 1955 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1978. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is produced by fermentation of certain types of the bacterium ''Streptomyces''. Uses Medical Natamycin is used to treat fungal infections, including '' Candida'', ''Aspergillus'', ''Cephalosporium'', ''Fusarium'', and ''Penicillium''. It is applied topically as a cream, in eye drops, or (for oral infections) in a lozenge. Natamyc ...
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Fungal Keratitis
Fungal keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea, which can lead to blindness. It generally presents with a red, painful eye and blurred vision. There is also increased sensitivity to light, and excessive tears or discharge. It is caused by fungal organisms such as ''Fusarium'', ''Aspergillus'' or '' Candida''. Fungal keratitis has a worldwide distribution, but is more common in the tropics. Around 1 million people become blind every year due to fungal keratitis. Theodor Leber first described a case of fungal keratitis caused by ''Aspergillus'' in 1879. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of fungal keratitis typically emerge over 5-10 days and present with a painful eye, blurred vision, and redness of eye. There is increased sensitivity to light, and excessive tears or discharge. The symptoms are markedly less as compared to a similar bacterial ulcer. Symptoms may be noted to persist after contact lenses are removed, or following antibiotic treatment. Signs: The eyelids ...
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Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. The fungal infections it is used to treat include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis. For certain infections it is given with flucytosine. It is typically given intravenously (injection into a vein). Common side effects include a reaction with fever, chills, and headaches soon after the medication is given, as well as kidney problems. Allergic symptoms including anaphylaxis may occur. Other serious side effects include low blood potassium and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart). It appears to be relatively safe in pregnancy. There is a lipid formulation that has a lower risk of side effects. It is in the polyene class of medications and works in part by interfering with the cell membrane of the fungus. Amphotericin B was isolated from '' Streptomyces nodosus'' in 1955 at the Squibb For Medical Research Institute from c ...
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