Ezri Care Artificial Tears, as well as nine other ophthalmologic brands that create artificial tears or eyedrops, have been linked to dangerous Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in people across sixteen different U.S. states. P. aeruginosa can be difficult to treat; over the years, the bacteria has become increasingly drug-resistant, leading to the need for new antibiotics. Its dangers are clear in this most recent spate of infections. According to reporting by NPR, the infections have ultimately impacted 68 individuals. Of these, 65 have severe injuries and 3 died.
The CDC has already tested opened bottles of Ezri Care Artificial Tears to match the specific P. aeruginosa strain. Although the investigation is still ongoing, the CDC and FDA question whether Global Pharma Healthcare, who develops Ezri Care Artificial Tears, took measures to prevent infections. As of now, the FDA argues that Global Pharma Healthcare failed to utilize proper preservatives, safe packaging, or effective microbial testing prior to the release of the eye drops.
What is P. Aeruginosa?
An article in StatPearls explains that P. aeruginosa is:
a gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore forming rod that is capable of causing a variety of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Its predilection to cause infections among immunocompromised hosts, extreme versatility, antibiotic resistance, and a wide range of dynamic defenses makes it an extremely challenging organism to treat in modern-day medicine.
P. aeruginosa lives in the environment and can be contracted via interaction with contaminated water or soil. It is also commonly spread in healthcare settings. Of this most recent spate of infections, 37 (if not more) cases have been associated with treatment at different healthcare facilities. To learn more about P. aeruginosa in healthcare settings, check out this helpful guide from the CDC.
Symptoms of P. aeruginosa infection depend on what part of the body is infected (urinary tract, skin, central nervous system, bloodstream, eyes, etc.). In the above case, where eyes are infected, potential symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye/eyelid pain and redness
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Abnormal eye discharge
- Vision loss
Antibiotics and surgical interventions may be used to treat P. aeruginosa infections.
