Epidemic and sporadic cases of nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis associated with laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To report national case-finding results for nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis and describe its association with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
Enhanced passive disease reporting.


METHODS
In April 2001, we investigated a California cluster of Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis associated with hyperopic LASIK using a contact lens mask. To identify other possibly related cases, the American Academy of Ophthalmology e-mailed its members asking them to report recent cases of nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


RESULTS
Forty-three additional cases of keratitis were reported (onsets between August 2000 and June 2001). Of these, 31 occurred as part of two unrelated LASIK-associated outbreaks. The 12 other reported cases occurred in sporadic fashion. Of the latter cases, 4 were associated with LASIK surgery. None of the reported cases were related to the M. chelonae cluster in California.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser in situ keratomileusis-associated keratitis with nontuberculous mycobacteria may be more common than previously known.
Winthrop
Kevin L
KL
Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. kwinthro@dhs.ca.gov
Steinberg
Ellen B
EB
Holmes
Gary
G
Kainer
Marion A
MA
Werner
S B
SB
Winquist
Andrea
A
Vugia
Duc J
DJ
D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery; D007634:Keratitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology