Achromobacter xylosoxidans keratitis after contact lens usage

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Contact lens wear is a significant risk factor for microbial keratitis.
• Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly recognized in ocular infections.

Observation:

• Two healthy young female contact lens wearers presented with severe keratitis.
• Corneal scrapings and contact lens samples identified Achromobacter xylosoxidans as the causative agent.
• Clinical signs included stromal infiltrates, epithelial defects, and peripheral neovascularization.

Findings:

• Both patients successfully treated with targeted antibiotic therapy (ceftazidime/amikacin and gatifloxacin/tobramycin).
• Complete healing of epithelial defects achieved, with residual subepithelial opacity.
• Achromobacter xylosoxidans confirmed as the pathogen originating from contact lens care products.

Implications:

• Highlights the risk of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in lens-induced keratitis, even in healthy individuals.
• Emphasizes the importance of meticulous contact lens hygiene and disinfection practices.
• Suggests Achromobacter xylosoxidans should be considered in the differential diagnosis of contact lens-related microbial keratitis.