Link: Health Protection Report | Infection Reports | Bacteraemia.
Since 2003, there has been a 20% increase in the number Pseudomonas spp. bacteraemia reported to the HPA (3200 reports in 2003 compared with 3828 reports in 2007) (table 1). In 2007, 86% of Pseudomonas spp. bacteraemia were identified to species level (3286 reports), with 92% of these identified as P. aeruginosa.
Link: KeepTheDoctorAway - Contact Lenses Can Damage Sight.
New research claims infected contact lenses can cause users to lose their sight.
The study by Spire Leeds Hospital and St James’s University Hospital in Leeds reveals
one patient from Yorkshire loses their sight each year as a result of infections caused by the misuse of contact lenses.
James Ball headed the study and found that there are two infections which are most dangerous. These include Pseudomonas an aggressive bacteria and Acanthamoeba a protozoan infection. If diagnosed early, the first infection can often be treated easily; however the second is exceptionally difficult to heal.
“My concern is that contact lens suppliers have faced tougher competition as refractive eye surgery has improved,” says Ball.
“Patients are being advised that lenses can be worn continuously day and night for an entire month. This dramatically increases the risk of infection – ultimately it can cause loss of sight.”
