Molecular investigation of protozoan parasites that are potential causes of eye lesions in dogs and cats

Abstract

Bacteria and viruses can be the cause of many ophthalmic lesions of infectious origin, however, protozoan parasites have the potential to also be the source of such lesions. Among the others, opportunistic protozoa, as exemplified by Acanthamoeba spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, are responsible for the manifestation of several diseases affecting the eyes in both humans and animals. Members of the genus Acanthamoeba have been identified as the cause of serious diseases including both Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK). Ophthalmic lesions, resulting from acanthamoebosis have been widely investigated from a medical point of view, while such studies are scarce in veterinary scientific literature.