A case of free-living Amoebae keratitis in a non contact lens wearer

Free living amoebae keratitis is a rare but severe infection due to ubiquitous protozoa of the genus Acanthamoeba. Most cases occur in contact lens wearers. In the present paper, we report a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis secondary to a vegetal injury of the cornea in a patient who did not wear contact lens. This case emphasizes the fact that the visual outcome is dependent on early treatment and outlines the need for a rapid diagnosis of amoebic keratitis. The diagnosis is based essentially on culture of trophozo?tes and cysts of the parasite from a corneal scrape or a biopsy specimen. The treatment is long, difficult and often a failure. Successful management of amoebic keratitis infection thus requires constant dialogue between the physician and the clinical microbiologist, a quality sample and efficient laboratory tests.