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Contact lens, case and solution related microbiological evaluation in health care workers and medical students

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Original Article

Author Details : Bindumalini Mudduveerappa*, Sujatha S Ravikumar, Shreyanka Prakash Mane, Utkarsha Bharadwaj, Tejashree Ananth

Volume : 10, Issue : 3, Year : 2024

Article Page : 525-531

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2024.091

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Abstract

Aim: To assess the microbial contamination in different types of contact lenses, their storage case, and lens case solutions of healthcare workers
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted over 2 months. 100 contact lenses, their cases, and case solutions were collected from 50 healthcare professionals and students. Individuals filled out a  questionnaire on the duration of use, care, and compliance. The samples were subjected to gram staining, KOH mount, and culture with blood and potato dextrose agar.
Results: Out of the 300 collected samples, 30 lenses, 30 lens cases, and 6 lens care solutions showed positive growth. Among these 100 lenses and lens cases, 56 yielded bacterial growth and 4 fungal growth. Predominant bacteria isolated from lenses, lens cases, and their lens care solutions were Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Klebsiella pneumonia. 4 lenses and lens cases showed candida albicans. Polymicrobial growth was observed in 2 contact lenses. Enterobacter species were isolated from only lenses, and cases, and not solutions.
Conclusion: Most of the healthcare workers followed the recommended lens care regimen. The most common organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter species, and Staphylococcus aureus with few showing the presence of Candida species. A similar profile was also noted in the general population. From observations made in our study and similar studies, care on lens case and lens solution hygiene must be emphasized.
 

Keywords: Contact lens, Lens case, Lens case solution, Compliance, Healthcare professional, Culture, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Candida, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Lens hygiene.

How to cite : Mudduveerappa B, Ravikumar S S, Mane S P, Bharadwaj U, Ananth T, Contact lens, case and solution related microbiological evaluation in health care workers and medical students. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024;10(3):525-531

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