Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops

Anna Gitter, Kristina D. Mena, Karla S. Mendez, Fuqing Wu, Charles P. Gerba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Eye infections from bacterial contamination of bulk-refillable liquid soap dispensers and artificial tear eye drops continue to occur, resulting in adverse health outcomes that include impaired vision or eye enucleation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a common cause of eye infections, can grow in eye drop containers and refillable soap dispensers to high numbers. To assess the risk of eye infection, a quantitative microbial risk assessment for P. aeruginosa was conducted to predict the probability of an eye infection for two potential exposure scenarios: (i) individuals using bacteria-contaminated eye drops and (ii) contact lens wearers washing their hands with bacteria-contaminated liquid soap prior to placing the lens. The median risk of an eye infection using contaminated eye drops and hand soap for both single and multiple exposure events (per day) ranged from 10–1 to 10−4, with contaminated eye drops having the greater risk. The concentration of P. aeruginosa was identified as the parameter contributing the greatest variance on eye infection risk; therefore, the prevalence and level of bacterial contamination of the product would have the greatest influence on health risk. Using eye drops in a single-use container or with preservatives can mitigate bacterial growth, and using non-refillable soap dispensers is recommended to reduce contamination of hand soap. Given the opportunistic nature of P. aeruginosa and its ability to thrive in unique environments, additional safeguards to mitigate bacterial growth and exposure are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalApplied and environmental microbiology
Volume90
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • artificial tear eye drops
  • eye infections
  • refillable soap dispensers
  • risk of infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Ecology

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