The death toll from drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has been linked to eye drops, has risen to 3 in the United States, while the outbreak has also been linked to blindness and 4 reports of eyeball removal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The first warning.. When was the alarm sounded?
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first warned of the outbreak in January, and so far it has infected at least 68 people in 16 US states.
- Shortly following the warning, the manufacturer of EzriCare Artificial Tearstheir product, which is a preservative-free, over-the-counter eyedrop, many people with strep have reported using.
- Since then, several additional eye products have been recalled, though not all have been linked to the bacterial infection, sparking a wave of concern and confusion among Americans.
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa”Pseudomonas Aeruginosa” It is an aggressive bacteria found throughout the environment, including water, soil, and human waste.
- Experts say that bacteria can enter the eye drops, through contamination with environmental agents during handling.
- The bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics, and are particularly dangerous in healthcare settings and for people with weakened immune systems.
- When medicinal products such as eye drops become contaminated, the concentration of bacteria, viruses or fungi in the product can be very high, overwhelming local immune responses, even when people are not clearly immunocompromised..
- Infection can manifest as keratitis, sepsis, and respiratory and urinary tract infections.
- In 2017, the United States saw regarding 2,700 deaths related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and regarding 33,000 hospitalizations, according to CDC estimates..
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with eye drops had not been shown before in the United States..
What do doctors say?
- Elizabeth Konnick, Professor of Medicine and Immunobiology at the University of Arizonashe said that “the bacteria secrete proteins that can destroy the clear tissue at the front of the eye – the cornea – and allow it to invade the eye.”
- “This can impair vision or even lead to blindness,” says Connick.
- Robert T. Scully, Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California, San Diegoexplained that Pseudomonas aeruginosa tends to cause problems in places where “immune responses are weakened.”
What eye drops have been withdrawn?
- At least four eye drop products have been recalled recently, including:EzriCare Artificial Tears” And”Delsam Pharma”which has been associated with bacterial infection.
- two other products; The first one Purely Soothing (15% MSM Drops) of the companyPharmadica USA”Then the second (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%) belonging to the company Apotex, both of which were recalled by their makers, though they were not linked to the outbreak.
- a company Pharmaceutical USA This March, she said, she pulled 15% drops. MSM Drops due to concern that the product is not sterile, pointing out that “the drops have not been linked to the disease.”
- At the same time, the company warned that using contaminated eye products might increase the risk of infection that might lead to blindness.
- Also in March, Inc. withdrew Apotex Corp Solution Brimonidine Tartrate to the eye, 0.15% “out of extreme caution” due to cracks in some bottle caps, which may affect the integrity of the product and its remaining sterile, the company said..
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that eye drops EzriCare It may be associated with bacterial infections and death.
- The eye ointment has also been pulled from the company Delsam Pharmawhich has not been directly linked to the disease.
- An ophthalmologist at the National University of Singapore Hospital, David Chen, said he “doesn’t think people should worry regarding other brands not being recalled”.
- The doctor advised taking “general precaution when using artificial tears,” such as avoiding contaminating them with fingers, and disposing of them within the specified time frame, according to the Washington Post..
What are the symptoms of eye inflammation that you should watch out for?
If you have used drops of Ezricare And Delsam PharmaLook for symptoms that include:
- Yellow, green, or clear eye discharge
- Eye pain or discomfort.
- Eye or eyelid redness.
- A sensation of having something in your eye.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- blurry vision
The Centers for Disease Control said that those with such symptoms who used any of the eye drops mentioned should seek medical care immediately, and people without symptoms do not need to be tested for possible infection..
