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Contamination of contact-lens-related sources with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
C Micallef1, P Cuschieri, M R Bonnici
1Department of Pathology, St. Luke's Hospital, Msida, Malta.
Abstract:
The studies conducted sought to estimate contamination of contact lens (CL) storage cases and commercial solutions with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as to investigate everyday sources, which the CL wearer uses or comes into contact with. The studies revealed that 13. 1% of storage lens cases and 5.1% of commercial solutions in use were positive for the bacterium. Ten hermetically sealed CL solutions were tested for possible contamination, but these all proved to be sterile. In addition, environmental samples, of both a solid and liquid nature, yielded relatively high contamination rates with this opportunistic bacterium. Results showed that common sources, which the CL wearer is in contact with, possess P. aeruginosa and this may indeed predispose to corneal infections.
Insights
Contact lens storage cases and solutions can harbor Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium linked to eye infections. Common environmental sources also show high contamination rates, posing a risk to contact lens wearers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Contact lens wear is associated with an increased risk of microbial keratitis.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common and significant pathogen in contact lens-related eye infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination in contact lens (CL) storage cases and commercial solutions.
- To identify everyday sources of contamination encountered by CL wearers.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of in-use CL storage cases and commercial solutions.
- Testing of hermetically sealed CL solutions for sterility.
- Sampling and analysis of environmental sources in contact with CL wearers.
Main Results:
- 13.1% of CL storage cases and 5.1% of commercial solutions were contaminated with P. aeruginosa.
- All tested hermetically sealed CL solutions were sterile.
- Environmental samples (solid and liquid) showed high contamination rates with P. aeruginosa.
Conclusions:
- In-use CL storage cases and solutions are potential reservoirs for P. aeruginosa.
- Environmental sources commonly encountered by CL wearers are frequently contaminated with P. aeruginosa.
- Contaminated CL accessories and environmental exposure may predispose wearers to P. aeruginosa-induced corneal infections.