Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in the identification of the origin of bacterial keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Author(s): de Melo GB, Aggio FB, Hofling-Lima AL, d'Azevedo PA, Pignatari AC
Affiliation(s): Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Publication date & source: 2007-07, Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol., 245(7):1053-4. Epub 2006 Dec 21.
Publication type: Case Reports
PURPOSE: To report the use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in the investigation of the origin of infectious keratitis. METHODS: A 19-year-old girl presented with infectious keratitis in the left eye. She was a soft contact lens wearer, and was noncompliant with the proper cleaning methods proposed by the manufacturer. Microbiological assessment was performed by means of culture and PFGE. RESULTS: The patient was treated successfully with topical cefalotin and gentamicin drops. Cultures were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the cornea and conjunctiva, and in the contact lens, its case and the cleaning solution. PFGE showed identical patterns of banding in each. CONCLUSION: In this case of bacterial keratitis, PFGE proved to be very useful in identifying how the contamination occurred.
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