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Contamination of K-Sol corneal storage medium with Propionibacterium acnes
E A Sieck1, R W Enzenauer, F M Cornell
1Department of Ophthalmology, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colo. 80045.
Abstract:
K-Sol is a widely used corneal preservation medium. It has an excellent record for corneal storage and no previous report of contamination. During September 1988, on five of our K-Sol-stored donor rims Propionibacterium acnes grew. Cultures of unopened K-Sol also yielded P acnes. This report reviews previous contaminations of corneal storage media and the special characteristics of P acnes that enabled it to survive precautions taken against infection. The detection of P acnes was not obvious, and we emphasize the need for appropriate culturing of all donors, both aerobically and anaerobically, and close scrutiny of delayed inflammation in postoperative patients.
Insights
Contamination of K-Sol corneal storage medium by Propionibacterium acnes was detected. This highlights the need for rigorous donor culturing and monitoring for delayed postoperative inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Corneal Transplantation
Background:
- K-Sol is a standard corneal preservation medium with a strong safety record.
- No prior contamination incidents involving K-Sol had been reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source and nature of unexpected bacterial growth in K-Sol preserved corneas.
- To identify the specific microorganism responsible for contaminating the corneal storage medium.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were performed on K-Sol stored donor rims exhibiting growth.
- Unopened K-Sol containers were cultured to determine medium sterility.
- Literature review on previous corneal storage media contaminations and Propionibacterium acnes characteristics was conducted.
Main Results:
- Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes) was identified in five K-Sol stored donor rims.
- P acnes was also isolated from unopened K-Sol containers, indicating medium contamination.
- P acnes exhibited characteristics enabling survival despite standard infection control measures.
Conclusions:
- K-Sol corneal preservation medium can be contaminated by Propionibacterium acnes.
- Thorough aerobic and anaerobic culturing of all corneal donors is crucial.
- Vigilance for delayed postoperative inflammation in patients is necessary to detect potential infections.