Molecular and microbiological evidence of bacterial contamination of intraocular lenses commonly used in canine cataract surgery

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277753
• Publication Date: 2022-11-21T18:38:20Z
• Authors: Kourtney K. Dowler; Aida Vientós-Plotts; Elizabeth A. Giul...; Zachary L. McAdams; Carol R. Reinero; Aaron C. Ericsson
• Keywords: Microbiological culture

Inflammatory outcomes, including toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) and infectious endophthalmitis, are potentially painful, blinding complications following cataract surgery. In an in vitro pilot study, commercially available, sterile foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) used during routine canine surgery, their packaging fluid were surveyed for the presence of bacterial DNA and/or viable (cultivable) bacteria. Swabs from IOLs three different veterinary manufacturers production lots/manufacturer collected 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. Packaging samples aerobic/capnophilic culture. Culture yielded one isolate, identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis. rRNA sequencing revealed distinct brand-specific profiles, conserved between all lots within each manufacturer. The dominant taxonomy differentiating manufacturer was annotated sp, a 100% match to S. Distinct mixtures present consistent depending on manufacturer, is contributor detected. Caralens products had significantly lower amount spp. compared Anvision Dioptrix products.