Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequent etiological agent of an uncommon but sight–threatening microbial keratitis (MK) associated with contact lens wear. Epidemiology, in part, involves the lens as a vector of the bacterium from contaminated lens solutions or cases to traumatized corneal tissue (from anoxia or manipulation of the lens on the eye). Once attached to a case or lens, some adherent cells show enhanced tolerance or resistance to antimicrobials. This enhanced tolerance state increases the risk that the bacterium will contact and bind with damaged corneal tissue. This study examined a proprietary eye drop and a multipurpose solution (MPS) that reduced the primary attachment of isolates of P. aeruginosa to the surfaces of contact lenses and lens cases. Methods: The in–vitro primary adhesion of various pseudomonads to worn and unworn (one day) lenses, including a high Dk silicone lens was measured with radiolabelled method. Results: The in–vitro primary adhesion of various pseudomonads to various lenses soaked for 4 h in the MPS, was reduced by over 90%. Uninoculated lenses, following two min exposure to the eye drop solution, showed a similar reduction in their affinity for the irreversible adhesion of pseudomonads and representative staphylococci. Conclusions: The proprietary MPS, in part via the innovative incorporation of polyether containing hydrophilic groups, reduces the degree of bacterial adhesion to the lens. Although as yet unproven and not claimed, these in–vitro data suggest an additional strategy for reducing the risk of microbial keratitis.
Keywords: Pseudomonas • contact lens • keratitis