Cases, deaths due to artificial tear-related infection continue to increase
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Key takeaways:
- The number of people infected after using certain artificial tears continues to increase.
- Three people have died, and eight have experienced vision loss.
The CDC announced that 68 patients in 16 states have been identified as of March 21 with a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa believed to have originated in multidose bottles of artificial tears.
Three people died, eight lost vision, and four underwent enucleation, according to an update on the CDC website.
VIM-GES-CRPA, a rare strain of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa, has been identified in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
Most of the patients said they used artificial tears, reporting more than 10 different brands, according to the CDC. EzriCare Artificial Tears, which is manufactured in India by Global Pharma Healthcare PVT Ltd., was the most commonly used drop. Open bottles of EzriCare collected from patients with and without eye infections in two states tested positive for VIM-GES-CRPA.
“Patients and health care providers should immediately stop the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears pending additional information and guidance from CDC and FDA,” the CDC stated.
On Feb. 2, Global Pharma Healthcare recalled all lots of its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eyedrops distributed by EzriCare LLC and Delsam Pharma, according to the company’s website.
On Feb. 1, EzriCare announced on its website that it immediately ceased distribution of the artificial tears.
Editor’s note: On April 6, 2023, the image accompanying this article was changed. Healio regrets any confusion caused by the previous image.
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