Successful treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis with meropenem eye drops — a case report

Abstract

Background: This case report describes the course and therapeutic management of a fast-spreading bacterial keratitis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Case presentation: A 27-year-old male contact lens wearer presented with a multi-resistant, fast spreading P. aeruginosa keratitis. After initial resistance to various antibiotic therapies, testing revealed a MDR P. aeruginosa. The keratitis was treated successfully with specially prepared 50 mg/ml off-label meropenem eye drops for 18 days as well as systemic meropenem for seven days with rapid improvement of the corneal infiltrate. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the combination of topical and systemic meropenem as a useful treatment option for corneal ulcers caused by MDR P. aeruginosa.