Microbiologic Study of Imported Donor Corneas and Preserved Solutions

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of contamination of imported donor corneas and their preserved solutions, and to characterize the spectrum of contaminating microorganisms. METHODS: Thirty-seven imported donor corneas and their preserved solutions imported between December 2003 and June 2005 were included in this study. RESULTS: Five imported donor corneas (13.5%) had positive bacterial cultures, and none had positive fungal or mycobacterial cultures. On the other hand, the preserved solutions did not have positive bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial cultures. One of the 5 imported donor corneas with positive bacterial culture had a mixed bacterial culture. There were 3 isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 isolate of Streptococcus viridans, 1 isolate of Enterobacter cloacae, and 1 isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of contamination of imported donor corneas is low; however, there is a risk of postkeratoplasty infection by contaminated donor corneas. Thus, careful management should be practiced during and after corneal transplant operations.