Which statement about Pseudomonas in ocular infections is true?

Which statement about Pseudomonas in ocular infections is true?

• A. It can lead to corneal perforation
• B. It never causes corneal perforation
• C. It is the least common cause in contact lens wearers
• D. It is not associated with rapid progression

Answer: (A)

Pseudomonas keratitis can progress rapidly and cause corneal thinning that may lead to perforation. The bacteria produce virulence factors like proteases and toxins that degrade corneal stroma and trigger a strong inflammatory response. This combination of tissue destruction and inflammation can advance quickly, especially when epithelial integrity is compromised—such as with contact lens wear, which is a known risk factor due to lens-related hypoxia and surface disruption. Because of this aggressive behavior, corneal perforation is a real and serious complication in some cases. This aligns with the true statement, since it is not accurate to say it never perforates, nor that it is the least common cause in contact lens wearers, nor that it is not associated with rapid progression.

Pseudomonas keratitis can progress rapidly and cause corneal thinning that may lead to perforation. The bacteria produce virulence factors like proteases and toxins that degrade corneal stroma and trigger a strong inflammatory response. This combination of tissue destruction and inflammation can advance quickly, especially when epithelial integrity is compromised—such as with contact lens wear, which is a known risk factor due to lens-related hypoxia and surface disruption. Because of this aggressive behavior, corneal perforation is a real and serious complication in some cases.

This aligns with the true statement, since it is not accurate to say it never perforates, nor that it is the least common cause in contact lens wearers, nor that it is not associated with rapid progression.