CDC urges discontinued use of EzriCare Artificial Tears

Citing a multistate cluster of carbapenem‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with eye infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended immediate discontinuation of the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. 
 
According to a statement issued by the CDC on January 20, 2023, the agency is investigating a cluster of 56 isolates from 50 patients in 11 states that link these infections to the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. Isolates have been identified from multiple specimen sites, including clinical cultures of cornea. Outcomes of patients with ocular infections include permanent vision loss and hospitalization. Clinicians and patients should stop the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears until the epidemiological investigation and laboratory analyses are complete.

In addition to demonstrating carbapenem resistance, isolates in this cluster have demonstrated resistance to ceftazidime and cefepime.

Contact your health department’s healthcare‐associated infections contact for help submitting isolates of Carbapenem‐resistant P. aeruginosa ocular specimens.