Sparta, New Jersey, February 16, 2023
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed it is collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health departments to investigate a multistate outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The outbreak strain, which has never been reported in the United States prior to this outbreak, was carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA).
The CDC reports that the ongoing investigation has identified over the counter (OTC) artificial tears as a common exposure for many patients. Between May of last year and January of 2023, the agency has identified 56 patients from 12 states (CA, CO, CT, FL, NJ, NM, NY, NV, TX, UT, WA, WI) with VIM-GES-CRPA. 35 of the cases were linked to 4 healthcare facility clusters. One person has died and there have been 5 reports of vision loss. The CDC has recommended that clinicians and patients immediately discontinue the use of the product pending additional information and guidance from the CDC and the FDA.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous Gram-negative, rod-shaped, monoflagellated bacterium which can survive under a variety of environmental conditions and can cause disease not only in humans, but also in animals and even plants. In the United States, the CDC reports that
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections usually occur in people in the hospital and/or with a weakened immune system. The agency lists multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a “Serious Threat” in the
Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 (2019 AR Threats Report).
Dedicated to working with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers and regulatory agencies to help prevent the health risks associated with contaminated products reaching consumers are the microbial testing experts at MPL Laboratories. Their scientists provide microbial testing for a broad spectrum of contaminants, including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Testing takes place at MPL’s FDA registered, cGMP and ISO 17025 compliant laboratory to ensure the highest quality results.
To learn more about product testing or other analytical services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit
www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email
info@MPLLaboratories.com.
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full-service microbiology laboratory. It is cGMP compliant, FDA and DEA registered, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network of laboratories across the United States and Canada.
