Association of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens with extended-wear soft contact lenses in asymptomatic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To isolate and identify aerobic bacteria, particularly gram-negative species associated with the use of extended-wear (EW) soft contact lenses.


METHODS
Extended-wear contact lenses were collected, using aseptic technique, from the eyes of individuals after 30 days of extended wear (5-7 day intermittent periods) and were examined for adhered aerobic bacteria.


RESULTS
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated from 74% of the lenses. Serratia marcescens was found at an incidence of 10% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at an incidence of 6%.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of species of bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, that have been associated with daily wear soft contact lenses, solutions, and cases also appear to be associated with EW lenses.
Ahanotu
Ejem N
EN
Georgia State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta 30302-4010, USA. bioena@panther.gsu.edu
Ahearn
Donald G
DG
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003262:Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear / Q000382:microbiology*; D004340:Drug Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008689:Methacrylates; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D008689:Methacrylates; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate