Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Year
: 2013  |  Volume : 61  |  Issue : 9  |  Page : 523--525

Growth of Scytalidium sp. in a counterfeit bevacizumab bottle


Gerardo Garcia-Aguirre1, Virginia Vanzinni-Zago2, Hugo Quiroz-Mercado3 
1 Department of Retina, Asociacion para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico, Mexico
2 Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Asociacion para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico, Mexico
3 Department of Ophthalmology, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

Correspondence Address:
Gerardo Garcia-Aguirre
Department of Retina, Asociacion Para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico. Vicente Garcia Torres 46, San Lucas Coyoacan Mexico City, 04030
Mexico

After drawing a dose from an closed bevacizumab (Avastin) bottle, a fungus-like foreign body was observed inside. Samples from the vial were cultured in Sabouraud Emmons media. Growth of multiple light brown colonies with dark pigment was observed after 10 days. The species was identified as Scytalidium sp.Vial, analysis reported that the seal was lacking proper identification measures and that the label, batch number and expiry date did not correspond to a genuine product. Chemical analysis showed no protein, but 3% of polyethylene glycol, citrate and ethanol. Counterfeit bevacizumab is a real situation that poses a significant risk for ophthalmology and oncology patients. The medical community should be aware of this situation in order to enforce adequate preventive measures.


How to cite this article:
Garcia-Aguirre G, Vanzinni-Zago V, Quiroz-Mercado H. Growth of Scytalidium sp. in a counterfeit bevacizumab bottle.Indian J Ophthalmol 2013;61:523-525


How to cite this URL:
Garcia-Aguirre G, Vanzinni-Zago V, Quiroz-Mercado H. Growth of Scytalidium sp. in a counterfeit bevacizumab bottle. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2013 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];61:523-525
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2013;volume=61;issue=9;spage=523;epage=525;aulast=Garcia-Aguirre;type=0