In the United States, a fourth death has been reported as a result of contaminated eye drops recalled earlier this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated eye drops has grown, with 81 cases and four deaths now reported across 18 states.
The outbreak strain, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA), had never been reported in the US prior to this outbreak. The outbreak is associated with multiple types of infections, including eye infections.
Adverse outcomes included 14 patients with vision loss, an additional four patients with enucleation, and four deaths within 30 days of VIM-GES-CRPA clinical culture collection.
Laboratory testing confirmed contamination of multiple lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles.
Adverse outcomes included 14 patients with vision loss, an additional four patients with enucleation, and four deaths
Three products were subsequently recalled by their Indian manufacturer, Global Pharma, in association with the outbreak: EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma Artificial Ointment.
EzriCare was not sold in Australia but previously available online in New Zealand.
