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Microbial keratitis associated with contaminated ocular medications
O D Schein1, P J Wasson, S A Boruchoff
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.
Abstract:
We studied seven cases of severe gram-negative microbial keratitis associated with the use of contaminated topical ocular medications. Five cases involved Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one involved Serratia marcescens, and one involved Proteus mirabilis. In each case the same organism was cultured from corneal scrapings and from the medication. Either prednisolone acetate (one case) or timolol maleate (seven cases) was implicated in all instances.
Insights
Contaminated topical ocular medications caused severe gram-negative microbial keratitis in seven patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common pathogen, linked to contaminated timolol maleate eye drops.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Topical ocular medications are widely used for various eye conditions.
- Contamination of ophthalmic preparations can pose a significant risk to patients.