The Identification Of Serratia Marcescens In A Diagnostic Contact Lens.

Background: Serratia marcescens is a very common organism found in contact lens systems and can cause infectious corneal ulcer. Diagnostic lenses used in office must
be effectively cleaned, disinfected, and stored to prevent Serratia sp. from infecting your
patients.
Methods: Diagnostic lenses can and should be cultured periodically in the office to
assure disinfection is continued throughout the life of the lens. Serratia can be cultured
and identified with 99% accuracy by the Vitek Ir. System.
Results: One diagnostic lens (10%) from the Michigan College of Optometry was found to harbor Serratia marcescens in its preserved storage solution.
Conclusion: It is very apparent in clinical practice that patients are noncompliant with their lens care regimens. Our findings show that this also occurs by clinicians and staff as well.