NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are advising people to stop using over-the-counter eye drops that have been linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a medical alert to doctors on Wednesday, saying the outbreak includes at least 55 people in 12 states. One died.
Disease investigators have linked the infections, including some found in the blood, urine and lungs, to EzriCare artificial tears. Many of the patients said they used the product, which is a lubricant used to treat irritation and dryness.
The infections were all caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Investigators detected this type of bacteria in opened bottles of EzriCare, but additional tests were performed to see if the strains matched.
EzriCare said it was unaware of any evidence definitively linking the outbreak to the product, but it has stopped issuing the drops. It also has a notice on its website urging consumers to stop using the drops.
“As far as possible, we have contacted customers to advise them to stop using the product. We also immediately contacted both CDC and FDA and indicated our willingness to cooperate with any questions they may have from us,” the company said.
Two weeks ago, the CDC warned medical professional societies about the possible link between the droplets and infections. Wednesday’s alarm was a broader and more public warning.
The infections were diagnosed in patients in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. One patient – in Washington – died of a blood infection. At least five others suffered permanent vision loss.
The outbreak is considered particularly worrisome because the bacteria driving it are resistant to standard antibiotics.
The researchers found that the bacteria were not sensitive to any of the antibiotics routinely tested in public health laboratories. However, a new antibiotic called cefiderocol seemed to work.
How can eye drops cause blood or lung infections? The eye connects to the nasal cavity through the tear ducts. Bacteria can move from the nasal cavity to the lungs. Bacteria in these parts of the body can seed the infection elsewhere, such as in the blood or in wounds, CDC officials said.
The product is manufactured in India by Global Pharma Healthcare Pvt Ltd., EzriCare said.
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