Anaphylactic reaction secondary to topical preoperative moxifloxacin.

We report a case of anaphylactic shock following topical administration of moxifloxacin for endophthalmitis prophylaxis prior to cataract surgery. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) serology and IgE skin testing confirmed the anaphylactic etiology. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was later performed with identical preoperative preparation except for the exclusion of moxifloxacin; no anaphylactic response occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an anaphylactic response to topical moxifloxacin. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

The effects of carbaryl on the development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.

In the United States, Sevin(™) brand insecticide is one of the most commonly used insecticides. The active ingredient in Sevin(™), carbaryl (1-napthyl-N-methylcarbamate), is a known acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine to acetate and choline at the synapse. While carbaryl successfully causes the death of insects by paralysis, it has also been shown to have negative effects on the development of several nontarget species. To study the effects of carbaryl on nontarget species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used, as they are a good model for both toxicology and development studies. Our study suggests that carbaryl induces changes in morphology, specifically in embryo size and shape. Additionally, carbaryl causes defects in heart formation that is characterized by a decrease in heart rate and a developmental delay/defect in cardiac looping. A significant decrease in the number of spinal cord neurons present was also observed. Further investigation showed that there was an increase in cell death in carbaryl-treated embryos. The results indicate that carbaryl may have a greater environmental impact than initially intended. Our study, which was conducted solely by undergraduates at a liberal arts college, indicates that carbaryl may be detrimental to the development of nontarget species.