Bacillus keratitis associated with contaminated contact lens care systems

Am J Ophthalmol. 1988 Feb 15;105(2):195-7. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(88)90185-7.

Abstract

We examined two soft contact lens wearers who developed keratitis associated with Bacillus contamination of their contact lens care systems. Patient 1 developed a corneal ulcer caused by B. subtilis, and Patient 2 demonstrated multiple, diffuse, punctate corneal epithelial opacities associated with B. cereus contamination in the contact lens and lens case compartment. The contact lens cases of both patients contained Bacillus spores that survived multiple heat disinfection treatments. Three different contact lens chemical disinfection systems used for the minimum recommended time failed to kill the Bacillus organisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacillus / isolation & purification*
  • Bacillus cereus / isolation & purification
  • Bacillus subtilis / isolation & purification
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / adverse effects*
  • Corneal Ulcer / etiology
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Female
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Keratitis / etiology*
  • Keratitis / microbiology
  • Sterilization / methods*