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Amikacin treatment of Pseudomonas-caused corneal ulcer
Abstract:
A Pseudomonas-caused corneal ulcer developed in a 44-year-old man with severe facial and upper torso thermal burns while in the hospital burn unit. The infecting strain was resistant to most antibiotics, including gentamicin sulfate and tobramycin sulfate. Treatment with topical and parenteral amikacin sulfate resulted in rapid healing. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of the use of amikacin for corneal ulcer. The successful healing in this case suggests that the use of amikacin should be considered in the treatment of corneal ulceration when it is suspected that the pathogen is a Pseudomonas strain resistant to gentamicin and other commonly used antibiotics.
Insights
Amikacin sulfate successfully treated a severe Pseudomonas corneal ulcer resistant to common antibiotics. This case highlights amikacin as a potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas keratitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Corneal ulcers are sight-threatening infections.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of bacterial keratitis, particularly in burn patients.
- Antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas strains poses a significant treatment challenge.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male burn patient developed a Pseudomonas corneal ulcer.
- The infecting Pseudomonas strain exhibited resistance to gentamicin and tobramycin sulfates.
- Standard antibiotic treatments were ineffective.
Findings:
- Topical and parenteral administration of amikacin sulfate led to rapid healing of the corneal ulcer.
- This represents the first reported use of amikacin for Pseudomonas-induced corneal ulceration.
- Amikacin demonstrated efficacy against a multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas strain.
Implications:
- Amikacin sulfate should be considered for treating corneal ulcers caused by Pseudomonas strains resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin.
- This case expands treatment options for severe bacterial keratitis.
- Further research into amikacin's role in managing resistant ocular infections is warranted.