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Factors affecting Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to contact lenses
S M Fleiszig1, D J Evans, M F Mowrey-McKee
1School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Summary
Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to contact lenses varies by lens material, packaging solution, and bacterial strain. Exopolysaccharide production significantly increases bacterial adherence, impacting infectious keratitis risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a primary cause of infectious keratitis linked to contact lens wear.
- Bacterial adhesion to contact lenses is a key factor in infection development.
- Adhesion is influenced by lens properties, solutions, and bacterial adhesin expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to different contact lens materials.
- To determine the influence of packaging solutions and bacterial strain variability on adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Tested adhesion of six S. epidermidis clinical isolates to three contact lens materials.
- Performed adhesion assays on fresh lenses and lenses soaked in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
Main Results:
- Initially, polymacon lenses showed greater adhesion than etafilcon A and vifilcon A lenses.
- After soaking, polymacon lenses exhibited significantly less adhesion.
- Bacterial strain differences and exopolysaccharide (slime) production strongly affected adhesion levels.
Conclusions:
- Contact lens material properties alone do not solely dictate S. epidermidis adhesion.
- Bacterial strain characteristics, particularly exopolysaccharide expression, are critical.
- The immersion solution also plays a role in bacterial adhesion to contact lenses.