Cationic Surfactant–Natural Clay Complex as a Novel Agent Against Acanthamoeba castellanii Belonging to the T4 Genotype

In this study, we tested octadecyltrimethylammonium (ODTMA)-clay (montmorillonite) complex as a novel antiamoebic agent. Methods: Using A. castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype of keratitis origin, amobicidal assays were performed to determine the effects of ODTMA-cay complex on the viability of parasites at various concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μg. Adhesion and cytopathogenicity assays were performed to investigate ODTMA effects on A. castellanii–mediated binding and damage to human cells. Encystation and excystation assays were conducted to establish ODTMA-mediated inhibitory effects against the cyst stage of A. castellanii. Results: Using cell survival assays, the results revealed that ODTMA–clay complex exhibited amobicidal activity against keratitis-causing A. castellanii in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of A. castellanii with ODTMA–clay complex inhibited parasite adhesion to as well as parasite-mediated human cell damage. Using encystation and excystation assays, it was revealed that ODTMA–clay complex inhibited A. castellanii cysts at 100 μg (P
Source: Eye and Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice - Category: Opthalmology Tags: Article Source Type: research