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Published on: March 28, 2012
The disinfection of contact lenses contaminated with adenovirus
R P Kowalski1, C V Sundar-Raj, E G Romanowski
1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. kowalskirp@msx.upmc.edu
Purpose:
We compared the efficacy of different contact lens disinfection systems to eliminate adenovirus.
Methods:
Laboratory study evaluating the elimination of adenoviral ocular isolates by contact lens disinfection systems. Hard (gas permeable) and soft contact lenses were contaminated with adenovirus serotypes 8 and 19, and then they were disinfected with chemical, hydrogen peroxide, and heat sterilization systems. The survival of the adenovirus was determined by the shell vial technique.
Results:
Adenovirus survived chemical and hydrogen peroxide disinfection but not heat sterilization.
Conclusion:
Because heat sterilization is not readily available to sterilize adenovirus contaminated contact lenses, it may be prudent for patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis to dispose of unclean contact lenses.
Insights
Heat sterilization effectively eliminates adenovirus from contact lenses, unlike chemical or hydrogen peroxide methods. Patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis should discard contaminated contact lenses due to disinfection limitations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Adenovirus is a common cause of infectious keratoconjunctivitis.
- Contact lens wear is associated with an increased risk of microbial keratitis.
- Effective disinfection of contact lenses is crucial for preventing ocular infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different contact lens disinfection systems in eliminating adenovirus.
- To compare the effectiveness of chemical, hydrogen peroxide, and heat sterilization against adenoviral contamination of contact lenses.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory study involving contaminated soft and gas permeable contact lenses.
- Inoculation with adenovirus serotypes 8 and 19.
- Disinfection using chemical, hydrogen peroxide, and heat sterilization systems.
- Adenovirus survival assessed via shell vial technique.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus survived disinfection with chemical and hydrogen peroxide systems.
- Heat sterilization completely eliminated adenovirus from contaminated contact lenses.
- Adenoviral serotypes 8 and 19 were susceptible to heat sterilization.
Conclusions:
- Heat sterilization is the most effective method for eliminating adenovirus from contact lenses.
- Current chemical and hydrogen peroxide disinfection systems are insufficient for eradicating adenovirus.
- Patients diagnosed with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis should consider discarding their contact lenses to prevent reinfection or transmission.
