Efficacy of multipurpose solutions against Acanthamoeba species.

AIM: The disinfection efficacy of contact lens multipurpose solutions (MPSs) against Acanthamoeba polyphaga (Ros) and Acanthamoeba castellanii (ATCC30868) cysts and trophozoites was determined by both biocidal and manufacturer-recommended no-rub/rinse regimen testing. METHODS: A biocidal assay using four MPSs (ReNu with MoistureLoc, Opti-free Express, Solo-care Plus, and Complete MoisturePlus) was conducted with or without the presence of organic soil. A second test procedure compared the ability of five MPSs (ReNu with MoistureLoc MPS, ReNu MultiPlus, Opti-free Express, Solo-care Aqua, and Complete MoisturePlus) to remove and kill Acanthamoeba species cysts and trophozoites from SofLens 38 and Surevue conventional hydrogel lenses, and Focus Night & Day silicone hydrogel lenses using the manufacturer-recommended regimen. RESULTS: In the biocidal assay, only ReNu with MoistureLoc successfully killed both trophozoites and cysts (>3 log) within the manufacturer-recommended soak time. A >3 log decrease in trophozoites, but not cysts, was reported for Opti-free Express; however, Solo-care Plus and Complete MoisturePlus did not reduce the number of cysts or trophozoites by >3 log during the manufacturer-recommended soak time. In the no-rub/rinse regimen tests, only ReNu with MoistureLoc removed an inoculum of 2 x 10(5) trophozoites or cysts from SofLens 38 and Surevue hydrogel lenses, as well as Focus Night & Day silicone hydrogel lenses. Less than 10 viable organisms were recovered from the lenses after the 10s rinse and 4h soak. Opti-free Express, Solo-care Aqua, and ReNu MultiPlus were effective at removing trophozoites and cysts from SofLens 38 and Surevue conventional hydrogel lenses, but not from Focus Night & Day silicone hydrogel lenses. In excess of 10 viable organisms were recovered from all lenses after the manufacturer-recommended regimen using Complete MoisturePlus. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that some MPSs, when used as recommended by the manufacturer, are more effective at killing representative strains of Acanthamoeba than others.