Assessment of contamination in ophthalmic drops and the development of preventive measures and detection methods for nosocomial infections arising from the use of ophthalmic drops in hospital settings.

Authors

Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit
Nattarikar Tilanuttanun
Thawanporn Chimsud
Jeerawat Sawatdiwithayayong
Kitti Panmanee
Niratcha Chaisomboon
Janyut Srihirun

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to assess the prevalence of microbial contamination related to the usage of eye drops in hospital settings and identify strategies to manage such undesirable incidents. Research Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted, followed by a planned analysis to see if sufficient data were available. Subsequently, research and development were undertaken to innovate a solution for detecting or preventing microbial contamination of eye drops before usage. Research Findings: Six selected studies met the inclusion criteria, displaying internal validity and practical applicability. However, there is a moderate to low level of bias present. The studies collectively suggest that current management practices in hospitals lack effective measures to address the microbial contamination risks associated with eye drops. Contamination can occur both externally in the packaging and within the eye drop solution, leading to ongoing risks during continuous usage. Analytical challenges arise due to the substantial methodological differences and biases in each study, preventing comprehensive data synthesis. In the research and development phase, it was found that determining whether eye drops are contaminated before use is more beneficial than using them without this knowledge. A simple chemical method involving a reaction between silver nanoparticles and microorganisms, resulting in a visible color change, was proposed for contamination detection. Conclusion: This research provides insights into the prevalence of microbial contamination in eye drops, indicating a continual risk. The lack of standardized methodologies and biases in existing studies hinder comprehensive analysis. The innovation introduced involves a straightforward method for detecting contamination before eye drop usage, offering a practical preventive measure for undesirable incidents.

Recommended Citation

Poowaruttanawiwit, Prayuth; Tilanuttanun, Nattarikar; Chimsud, Thawanporn; Sawatdiwithayayong, Jeerawat; Panmanee, Kitti; Chaisomboon, Niratcha; and Srihirun, Janyut (2024) "Assessment of contamination in ophthalmic drops and the development of preventive measures and detection methods for nosocomial infections arising from the use of ophthalmic drops in hospital settings.," The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Vol. 48: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjps/vol48/iss1/3