To examine temporal dynamics of corneal infection (keratitis)-associated Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, we compared the genetic characteristics of isolates collected
during two different time periods (2003–2004 and 2009–2010) using an
ArrayTube genotyping system. The distribution of keratitis-associated isolates
from the two studies (n = 123) among a database of P. aeruginosa strains of
non-ocular origin (n = 322) indicated that 71% of UK keratitis-associated
P. aeruginosa isolates clustered together, and there was no evidence for major
variations in the distribution of clone types between the two collections. Our
analysis indicates the presence of a ‘core keratitis cluster’, associated with corneal
infections, that is related to the P. aeruginosa eccB clonal complex, which
is associated with adaptation to survival in environmental water. This suggests
that adaptation to environmental water is a key factor in the ability of P. aeruginosa
to cause eye infections