Product Testing Services

Sparta, New Jersey, July 17, 2023

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 6 more cases of vision loss and one additional death linked to eye drops that were recalled earlier this year. The outbreak, involving a rare strain of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, now totals 81 patients in 18 states according to the CDC. A total of 14 patients have had vision loss, an additional 4 patients have had eyeballs surgically removed, and there have been 4 deaths.

Back in January, CDC first announced it was investigating a multistate cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) associated with multiple types of infections, including eye infections. The agency reported that epidemiology and laboratory evidence linked the infections to the use of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops used as artificial tears for lubrication.

In February, the manufacturer of the eye drops announced a voluntary nationwide recall due to possible contamination. Later that same month, the company announced a voluntary recall of an artificial eye ointment because of possible microbial contamination.

CDC reports that serious Pseudomonas infections usually occur in people in the hospital and/or with a weakened immune system, but also states that healthy people can develop mild illnesses from contact with the bacteria. The agency listed multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a “Serious Threat” in the Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 (2019 AR Threats Report).

Working with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers and regulatory agencies to help prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers are the product testing specialists at MPL Laboratories. Their scientists provide sterility and 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. These services protect patients and can help to prevent these types of costly product recalls.

To learn more about product testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email info@MPLLaboratories.com. 

About MPL Laboratories

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.