Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
4-17-2024
Journal
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
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.
IMPORTANCE
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a pathogen that can persist in a variety of unusual environments and continues to pose a significant risk for public health. This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) estimates the potential human health risks, specifically for eye infections, associated with exposure to P. aeruginosa in bacteria-contaminated artificial tear eye drops and hand soap. This study applies the risk assessment framework of QMRA to evaluate eye infection risks through both consumer products. The study examines the prevalence of this pathogen in eye drops and soap, as well as the critical need to implement measures that will mitigate bacterial exposure (e.g., single-use soap dispensers and eye drops with preservatives). Additionally, limitations and challenges are discussed, including the need to incorporate data regarding consumer practices, which may improve exposure assessments and health risk estimates.
Keywords
Humans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Soaps, Lubricant Eye Drops, Bacteria, Pseudomonas Infections, Eye Infections, Hand Disinfection, eye infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, refillable soap dispensers, artificial tear eye drops, risk of infection
DOI
10.1128/aem.02119-23
PMID
38497644
PMCID
PMC11022585
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-18-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Included in
Eye Diseases Commons, Medical Microbiology Commons, Ophthalmology Commons, Optometry Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
