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Heparin inhibits Pseudomonas adherence to soft contact lenses
J A Durán1, A Malvar, M T Rodriguez-Ares
1Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain.
Abstract:
Adherence of bacteria to the surface of contact lenses may play an important role in contact lens intolerance and corneal infections. To decrease the capability of bacteria to adhere to contact lenses we incubated two types of soft contact lenses with two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (serotypes 0:11 and 0:8) at a concentration of 5 x 10(7) c.f.u./ml for 12 hours. When heparin was added to the medium at a concentration of 1000 IU/ml the numbers of bacteria adhering to the contact lenses were significantly fewer than in the controls (p < 0.005). Our results suggest that heparin, either included in contact lens solutions or bonded to the surface of the contact lens, may decrease contact-lens-related morbidity.
Insights
Heparin significantly reduces bacterial adherence to contact lenses. This finding suggests heparin could prevent contact lens intolerance and infections by decreasing bacterial adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bacterial adherence to contact lenses is a key factor in contact lens intolerance and corneal infections.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen associated with contact lens-related eye infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of heparin in reducing bacterial adhesion to soft contact lenses.
- To explore a potential method for decreasing contact lens-related morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Two types of soft contact lenses were incubated with two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (serotypes 0:11 and 0:8).
- Bacterial concentration was maintained at 5 x 10(7) c.f.u./ml for 12 hours.
- Heparin was added to the incubation medium at a concentration of 1000 IU/ml.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in bacterial adherence to contact lenses was observed when heparin was present (p < 0.005).
- Heparin demonstrated a dose-dependent effect in preventing bacterial adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Heparin shows promise as an agent to decrease bacterial adherence to contact lenses.
- Incorporating heparin into contact lens solutions or bonding it to lens surfaces may reduce contact lens-related eye infections and intolerance.