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Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Published on: February 6, 2021
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Fungal endophthalmitis associated with compounded products
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 23, 2014
Summary
Outbreaks of fungal endophthalmitis occurred after eye procedures due to contaminated compounded medications. These infections, linked to Brilliant Blue G dye and triamcinolone acetonide, led to widespread vision loss and product recalls.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Fungal endophthalmitis is a severe ocular infection.
- In March 2012, a national outbreak of fungal endophthalmitis was identified following invasive ocular procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of concurrent fungal endophthalmitis outbreaks.
- To identify the source and associated risk factors for these infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study involving 47 patients across 9 states.
- Microbiological analysis of patient specimens and compounded drug products.
- Epidemiological investigation to determine exposure and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Two distinct outbreaks were identified, linked to a single compounding pharmacy.
- One outbreak involved Brilliant Blue G (BBG) dye (Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti complex), the other triamcinolone acetonide (Bipolaris hawaiiensis).
- Exposure to either compounded product was the sole identified risk factor; 98% of affected patients experienced vision loss.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated compounded medications pose a significant risk for serious ocular infections.
- Ensuring the safety and integrity of compounded pharmaceuticals is crucial for preventing patient harm.
- These outbreaks necessitated product recalls and highlighted the need for stringent regulatory oversight.
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