Deaths and loss of vision due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are alarming in the United States

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 3, 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, 68 patients in 16 U.S. states have been identified since last March 14: three people have died and there have been eight cases of vision loss and four cases of surgical eyeball removal

There is alarm in the United States over deaths and vision loss caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (Cdc) is collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (Fda) and state and local health departments to investigate an outbreak of the dreaded bacterium, which is widely resistant to drugs and is reportedly attributable to the use of eye drops.

Since last March 14, 68 patients in 16 U.S. states have been identified: three people have died and there have been eight cases of vision loss and four cases of surgical removal of the eyeball.

Investigations to date have identified artificial tears as a possible source of infection for many of those affected by the epidemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, which has been shown to be resistant to carbapenems (Vim-Ges-Crpa) and had never been reported in the United States before this outbreak.

Sample collection dates range from May 2022 to February 2023.

Isolates were identified from clinical cultures of sputum or bronchial lavage (15), cornea (17), urine (10), other nonsterile sources (4), and blood (2), and from rectal swabs (26).

Patients also reported using more than ten different brands of artificial tears, and some specified that they used multiple brands.

The most commonly reported one was EzriCare Artificial Tears, an over-the-counter preservative-free product packaged in multidose bottles.

Pending further guidance, Cdc and FDa have meanwhile recommended that physicians and patients discontinue use of EzriCare or Artificial Tears products.

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