A patient who makes her own saline solution for her contact lenses is examined at her physician's office because she has a blood-red, infected right eye. The physician orders bacterial, fungal, and viral cultures, all of which are negative. What is the most probable cause of this infection?

Question

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The fact that the patient makes her own saline solution increases the likelihood of Acanthamoeba spp. infection, which can be caused by improper handling of contact lenses or homemade saline solutions. Acanthamoeba spp. infections often manifest as a red, painful eye with sensitivity to light. Bacterial, fungal, and viral cultures are not effective in detecting Acanthamoeba spp. infection. Entamoeba spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp. do not typically cause eye infections.

A Patient Who Makes Her Own Saline Solution for Her