Ocular immunology and inflammation
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Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. · Jul 2020
Evaluation of Conjunctival Swab PCR Results in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.
The study objective was to identify severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in conjunctival swabs from patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. ⋯ The rate of positivity from conjunctival swab rRT-PCR was 7.5% in patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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After the outbreak of the disease COVID-19, it has reached pandemic proportions within a very short time. It is mainly transmitted human-to-human through direct contact with secretions from an infected person or through inhalation of droplets containing SARS-CoV-2. It is controversial whether the virus may be transmitted via tears. ⋯ Considering the reported cases on healthcare workers indicating nosocomial transmission and the anatomical and physiological aspects it is perceived that ophthalmic healthcare professionals are at higher risk of contracting the virus by virtue of their job. In this narrative review we discuss current evidence around detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human tears and forms of transmissions reported to date. We also provide a comprehensive approach that may be implemented in an ophthalmic care facility to protect healthcare personnel, as well as patients, from contracting the virus.
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Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. · Jul 2020
ReviewCOVID-19 and the Ocular Surface: A Review of Transmission and Manifestations.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has reached pandemic proportions within an unprecedented span of time. It is controversial whether the virus can be transmitted via tears and its ocular implications have not been widely studied. In this article, the current evidence related to ocular transmission and ocular manifestations is reviewed. ⋯ The exact pathophysiology of ocular transmission of the virus remains incompletely understood, although there is preliminary evidence of SARS-CoV-2 being detected in ocular secretions. The ocular tropism of the virus and its potential to cause localized ocular disease are worth considering.
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Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. · Jul 2020
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Human Retinal Biopsies of Deceased COVID-19 Patients.
To report the presence of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human retina in deceased patients with confirmed novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the retina of COVID-19 patients.
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Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. · Jul 2020
EditorialEvolving Consensus Experience of the IUSG-IOIS-FOIS with Uveitis in the Time of COVID-19 Infection.
This document summarizes the experience of the International Uveitis Study Group (IUSG), the Intraocular Inflammation Society (IOIS), and the Foster Ocular Inflammation Society (FOIS) and can aid as a guide for the treatment of uveitis patients in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.