Detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in middle ear effusions and its association with otitis media with effusion.

A large-scale outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Shanghai, China, in early December 2022. To study the incidence and characteristics of otitis media with effusion (OME) complicating SARS-CoV-2, we collected 267 middle ear effusion (MEE) samples and 172 nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs from patients. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected by RT-PCR targeting. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) expression in human samples was examined via immunofluorescence. During the COVID-19 epidemic in 2022, the incidence of OME (3%) significantly increased compared to the same period from 2020 to 2022. Ear symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 complicated by OME generally appeared late, even after a negative NP swab, an average of 9.33 ± 6.272 days after COVID-19 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in MEE, which had a higher viral load than NP swabs. The insertion rate of tympanostomy tubes was not significantly higher than in OME patients in 2019-2022. Virus migration led to high viral loads in MEE despite negative NP swabs, indicating that OME lagged behind respiratory infections but had a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, middle ear tissue from adult humans coexpressed the ACE2 receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the TMPRSS2 cofactors required for virus entry.

DYNAMIC VIRAL LOAD MONITORING AND METAGENOMIC SEQUENCING IN ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS CAUSED BY VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS.

PURPOSE: To analyze the trend of intraocular viral load after antiviral treatment in patients with varicella-zoster virus-induced acute retinal necrosis and to explore the effect of viral genotypes on clinical manifestations. METHODS: In this case series, viral load was detected using polymerase chain reaction from aqueous humor during treatment; viral load curves were fitted, and the time required to reach the inflection point between plateau phase and logarithmic reduction phase was estimated. Variations in viral genomes were detected by metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients were included. The median (interquartile range) initial viral load was 5.9 × 10 7 (1.1 × 10 7 -1.1 × 10 8 ) copies/mL. The average duration of retinitis was 5 ± 3 weeks. The average time required to reach the inflection point was 4.2 ± 1.6 days. Time required to reach the inflection point was correlated with the duration of retinitis ( P = 0.025). Patients with varicella-zoster virus carrying the p.S715* variation in ribonucleotide reductase ( RNR ) subunit 1 gene had lower initial viral loads (median 1.3 × 10 7 copies/mL) than those without (median 1.1 × 10 8 copies/mL; adjusted P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: The inflection of viral load curve is helpful to estimate the length of plateau phase and the duration of retinitis during antiviral treatment in patients with acute retinal necrosis. Loss-of-function variation in RNR gene might be correlated with lower virulence of varicella-zoster virus.

BILATERAL ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and visual outcome of bilateral acute retinal necrosis. METHODS: The study included 30 patients (60 eyes) who were diagnosed with bilateral acute retinal necrosis. The medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients developed the disease in the contralateral eye within 5 months and 5 patients at >2 years after the initial onset. At presentation, 14 of 21 eyes suffered from retinal necrosis of more than 180° in the initially affected eye, whereas 3 of 22 eyes suffered it in the later-affected eye. Retinal detachment occurred in 23 of the 27 initially affected eyes and in 5 of the 27 later-affected eyes. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity decreased from 2.0 ± 1.1 (Snellen equivalent counting fingers) to 2.2 ± 1.0 (Snellen equivalent counting fingers) in the initially affected eyes after a follow-up of 34.1 ± 48.2 months (P = 0.529), and improved from 0.5 ± 0.4 (Snellen equivalent 20/66) to 0.3 ± 0.4 (Snellen equivalent 20/40) in the later-affected eyes after a follow-up of 21.2 ± 23.3 months (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Bilateral acute retinal necrosis usually occurs in the contralateral eye within a few months, but sometimes after several years. Inflammation and retinal necrosis are less severe in the later-affected eye, with less retinal detachment and a better visual outcome.

The evaluation of diagnostic efficiency for stromal herpes simplex keratitis by the combination of tear HSV-sIgA and HSV-DNA.

PURPOSE: To assess the differential diagnostic values for stromal herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) by using tear HSV-sIgA, tear HSV-DNA, and the combination. METHODS: Tear samples for both eyes and the paired serum were collected from 187 stromal HSK and 56 controls. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze the tear HSV-sIgA and serum IgG/IgM/IgA. The levels of tear HSV-DNA were measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The positive rates for tear HSV-sIgA and HSV-DNA were 36.90% and 10.96% respectively in stromal HSK patients. Twelve showed positivity for both sIgA and DNA, while 46 cases were positive for sIgA or DNA. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for simultaneous measurement were 39.73%, 98.21%, 98.31%, and 38.46%. The total negative conversion rate of sIgA was 95.71%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic efficiency of HSV-sIgA only is nearly equal to the combination of HSV-sIgA and HSV-DNA, and the positive result is optimum to achieve a reliable diagnosis of stromal HSK even in atypical or unsuspected cases.

The value of circulating CYFRA21-1 expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a study of 529 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) needs more reliable biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate serum cytokeratin 19 fragment 21.1 (CYFRA21-1) as an NPC biomarker based on data from a large sample. METHODS: From October 2010 to February 2014, 529 subjects were enrolled and divided into three groups-NPC group (n = 274), healthy control group (n = 175) and nasal inflammatory disease group (n = 80). Serum CYFRA21-1 levels were measured prior to radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, and their associations with T, N, and clinical classification were determined. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to discriminate the NPC group from the healthy control and nasal inflammatory disease groups. Three Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies and their correlations with serum CYFRA21-1 levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Pretreatment serum CYFRA21-1 levels were significantly elevated in the NPC group compared with the other groups (p < 0.01), Furthermore, serum CYFRA21-1 levels decreased significantly after radiotherapy (p < 0.01). Serum CYFRA21-1 levels were closely related to T, N, and clinical classifications. The area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of the serum CYFRA21-1 levels in the NPC patients were 0.89, 0.87 and 0.83, respectively. Strong correlations were observed between serum CYFRA21-1 levels and EBV antibodies. CONCLUSION: Serum CYFRA21-1 may be a reliable and effective biomarker for NPC.

[Ocular manifestations of syphilitic uveoretinitis in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical manifestations of syphilitic uveoretinitis in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: Uveoretinitis patients presenting between January 2008 and December 2014 at Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University were collected. Patients were selected with positive serologic tests, including rapid plasma regain titer (RPR) > 1:8, treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Other causes of uveoretinitis were excluded. Each patient underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry and B-scan ultrasonography. Fundus fluorescein angiography were obtained in each case except for patients whose fundus was blurred with dense vitritis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed in selected patients. Thorough physical examination was performed simultaneously. RESULTS: Twenty six patients were included in this study including 24 male (92.3%) and 2 female (7.7%). The mean age at presentation was 39.3 ± 13.2 (range 20 to 63 years). RPR titres ranged from 1:32 to 1:512. There were 49 eyes altogether and ocular involvement was bilateral in 23 patients (88.5%) and unilateral in 3 patients (11.5%). Panuveitis was the most common ophthalmic presentation (n = 39, 79.6%). Only two eyes were anterior uveitis (4.1%) and 8 eyes were posterior uveitis (16.3%). Anterior chamber cells+++ and mild to severe vitreous opacities were observed. Sixteen eyes presented with neuroretinitis (32.7%), 27 eyes had vitritis (55.1%), 5 eyes had retinochoroiditis (10.2%), 5 eyes had optic neuritis (10.2%), 5 eyes had retinitis (10.2%) including 2 eyes with necrotizing retinitis (4.1%), 4 eyes had retinal vasculitis (8.2%). Two eyes (11.5%) presented with posterior placoid chorioretinitis (4.1%) and multifocal choroiditis (4.1%). Systemic manifestations were detected. Five patients had a history of skin rash (19.2%), five (19.2%) had genital ulcers, three (11.5%) had chancre, two (7.7%) suffered from headache, two (7.7%) had a fever, one (3.8%) had oral ulcers and one patient (3.8%) lost his hair. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features are protean and lack of specificity. The most common manifestations was neuroretinitis, ususlly with vitritis.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram Model to Predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Objectives: Polysomnography was class I test for who was suspected of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which would cost lots of time and money. This study aimed to develop a nomogram model mainly based on oxygen and blood routine indicators to predict OSA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 685 patients with suspected OSA at our hospital. Multivariate analysis was used to construct a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using calibration and discrimination. Results: The multivariate analysis identified age, gender, body mass index, mean pulse oxygen saturation, percent nighttime with oxygen saturation less than 90%, red blood cell, hematocrit, and red blood cell distribution width SD as significant factors (P < .05). A nomogram was created for the prediction of OSA using these clinical parameters and was internally validated using a bootstrapping method. Our nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in terms of predicting OSA, and had a C-index of 0.935 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.917-0.954] according to the internal validation. Discrimination and calibration in the validation group were also good (C-index, 0.957; 95% CI, 0.930-0.984). Conclusion: The newly developed nomogram can effectively help physicians make better clinical decisions, which may save a lot of time and costs.

Identifying biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis and chemoradiotherapy response using serum endogenous small molecules profiling.

Changes in metabolic characteristics are important features of tumor progression and prognosis, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Identifying serum metabolites as potential diagnostic and chemoradiotherapy response biomarkers for NPC is therefore crucial. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap quadrupole orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) was used to analyze metabolic variations among controls, NPC patients, and NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed seven differential metabolites between the control and NPC groups and eleven metabolites between the CRT and NPC groups. Five common metabolites, gluconic acid, palmitic acid, LysoPC (15:0/0:0), stearic acid, and LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/0:0), were consistently altered across groups. Notably, the first four metabolites were adjusted closer to normal after chemoradiotherapy, while this change is not reflected at LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/0:0). These common metabolites were enriched in five pathways. These findings underscore the importance of serum metabolite profiling in NPC diagnosis and treatment response assessment and offer a promising foundation for further clinical research.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in the Aqueous Humor of Patients with Posner-Schlossman Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To explore the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the aqueous humor of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), and the association between MMP-3 and PSS. METHODS: Peripheral blood and aqueous humor were routinely collected from 29 patients with PSS (PSS group) and 30 patients with age-related-cataract (ARC) (control group). The content of MMP-3 in serum and aqueous humor was measured by immunoturbidimetry. The correlation between MMP-3 and ophthalmic examination results were verified by Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: The MMP-3 level in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (25.86 ± 13.4)ng/ml, significantly higher than that in the control group (3.9 ± 2.7)ng/ml(p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in serum MMP-3 level between the two groups (p = 0.125). The endothelial cell density (ECD) in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (2078 ± 440) cell/mm2, intraocular pressure (IOP) in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (33 ± 12) mmHg. The correlation analysis of aqueous humor MMP-3 and various ophthalmic examination results showed that aqueous humor MMP-3 had a moderate correlation with IOP and the difference in ECD between the affected eye and the fellow eye. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-3 level is elevated in the aqueous humor of PSS patients, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSS.

Application of two-dimensional polymerase chain reaction to detect four types of microorganisms in feces for assisted diagnosis of IBD.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase annually, accounting for about 6.8 million cases in 2017 worldwide. However, there is currently no gold standard for the diagnosis of IBD. METHODS: A method for the detection of four microorganisms in feces by two-dimensional polymerase chain reaction (2D-PCR) has been developed. Plasmids were used to validate the sensitivity and specificity of the method. Clinical samples were tested using a 2D-PCR method. Optimal diagnostic thresholds for IBD were determined based on ROC results. RESULTS: Of the 112 samples, 78 were from IBD patients and 34 from patients with other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Thomasclavelia ramosum and univ907-1062 positivity are necessary, and two or more positives of the three bacteria (Thomasclavelia spiroforme, Thomasclavelia saccharogumia or Clostridium cluster XVIII) are the optimal diagnostic thresholds for IBD. The area under the curve was 0.826 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.735-0.981 and a p-value of 0.000, corresponding to a sensitivity of 0.769 and a specificity of 0.853. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the detection results of microorganisms, IBD and GI can be effectively distinguished. The detection of four microorganisms in feces can assist clinicians in the differential diagnosis of IBD. Our experiment aims to provide a better program for early clinical diagnosis and regular dynamic monitoring of IBD.

Longitudinal Analysis of Ocular Manifestation and Interleukin During Intravitreal Treatment of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma With Methotrexate.

PURPOSE: To explore the trend of ocular manifestations and interleukin (IL) during the treatment of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) and to evaluate the potential effects of different intravitreal administration schedules on the therapeutic response. DESIGN: Interventional comparative nonrandomized clinical study. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with VRL between January 2011 and January 2022 were included. Intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections consisting of induction, consolidation, and maintenance were scheduled. At baseline and each visit, ocular manifestations and IL in aqueous humor were recorded. Effects of the variations (eg, frequency and number) in the injection schedule on the therapeutic response were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes of 33 patients were treated with intravitreal MTX chemotherapy. A mean ± standard deviation of 9 ± 3 injections were given; 52 eyes achieved complete remission (CR). IL-10, keratic precipitates, and subretinal lesions correlated well with the course of treatment (all P < .001). Initial injection given twice weekly was correlated with a higher rate of CR (36/36) than given once weekly or less frequently (16/22; P = .011). Ocular progression occurred in 13 eyes of 8 patients. The completion of schedule was correlated with PFS (induction + consolidation + maintenance: 547 [335-874] days; induction + consolidation: 355 [322-831] days; induction only: 147 [116-187.5] days; P < .001). IL-10 >50 pg/mL was a feasible threshold for the detection of ocular relapse (sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 95.1%). CONCLUSION: Keratic precipitates, subretinal lesions, and IL-10 could serve as indicators for therapeutic response. Intensive initial administration and adequate injection numbers would help to improve the response and prognosis. IL-10 >50 pg/mL could help detect ocular relapse.

Polymorphisms of the cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotype in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome.

AIMS: The aim of this observational study was to report the distribution of glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes in the eyes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) positive patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), and to investigate their clinical characteristics and outcomes. METHODS: We collected aqueous humour samples from 165 patients clinically diagnosed with PSS between 2017 and 2019. PCR was performed to analyse the CMV DNA and identify the gB genotypes in the samples. Clinical characteristics and responses to antiviral treatment were compared among patients with different gB genotypes. RESULTS: CMV DNA was detected in 94 (56.97%) of the 165 aqueous humour specimens analysed. Owing to the quantity requirement for CMV gB genotype analysis, results could be obtained from only 14 specimens. CMV gB type 1 was detected in 11 samples (78.6%), whereas CMV gB type 3 was detected in three samples (21.4%). No other gB genotypes or mixed genotypes were detected. Overall, 9.1% (1/11) of the patients in the gB type 1 group and 66.7% (2/3) of the patients in the gB type 3 group had bilateral attacks (p=0.093). The concentration of anti-CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the type 1 group was 0.94±0.79 s/co (ratio of aqueous humour CMV IgG/serum CMV IgG to aqueous humour albumin concentration/serum albumin concentration), whereas that in the type 3 group was 0.67±0.71 s/co. CONCLUSION: Genotype 1 was the most prevalent genotype in the aqueous humour of CMV-infected patients with PSS. Bilateral attack was predominant among patients with gB genotype 3. CMV gB gene may be related to the pathogenicity of CMV virus strain in patients with PSS.

Comparison of Intraocular Antibody Measurement, Quantitative Pathogen PCR, and Metagenomic Deep Sequencing of Aqueous Humor in Secondary Glaucoma Associated with Anterior Segment Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To identify viral pathogens in patients with secondary glaucoma associated with anterior segment uveitis and compare metagenomic deep sequencing (MDS) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) combined with Witmer-Desmonts coefficient (WDC) evaluation and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on investigating pathogens in aqueous humor. METHODS: Aqueous humor from 31 patients, including 22 Posner-Schlossman Syndrome and 9 other anterior uveitis, was assessed pathogens by ELISA combined with WDC evaluation, virus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection by real-time qPCR and MDS. RESULTS: Viral pathogens (HCMV or VZV or RV) were detected in 19 out of 31 eyes (61.3%) by real-time qPCR or WDC evaluation. MDS revealed the presence of HCMV DNA sequences in three PSS patients. CONCLUSION: Virus is an important pathogen in secondary glaucoma associated with anterior segment uveitis. MDS is a potential etiologic diagnosis tool to seek intraocular viral pathogens for secondary glaucoma associated anterior segment uveitis.

Observation of varicella zoster virus-induced acute retinal necrosis: viral load detection and visual outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the changes of viral load in aqueous humour samples and visual outcomes in varicella zoster virus (VZV)-induced acute retinal necrosis (ARN). METHODS: Observational retrospective study. Medical records and viral load measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of 20 eyes with VZV-induced ARN were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean viral load at presentation was 5.7 × 107 ± 9.7 × 107 copies/mL. An initial plateau phase for viral load lasting up to 2 weeks occurred in most eyes (18 eyes, 90%). In the following logarithmic reduction phase, the mean slope of the decline in viral load was -0.103 ± 0.029 log/day, and the expected time for half reduction of the initial viral load was 3.2 ± 1.0 days. At the end of the first 8-week's antiviral treatment, the viral load was below detection threshold in all 20 eyes (100.0%). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.1 ± 0.7 (Snellen equivalent 20/250) to 0.7 ± 0.6 (Snellen equivalent 20/100) after a follow-up of 8.6 ± 2.0 months. Thirteen of the 20 eyes (65.0%) suffered retinal detachment and underwent vitrectomy. The initial viral load was the independent predictive factor of logMAR BCVA at the last follow-up (ß = 0.745, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The observation of viral load changes by qPCR was useful for better monitoring of therapeutic efficacy and deciding needed antiviral duration in VZV-induced ARN patients.

The Role of Anti-Endothelial Cell Autoantibodies and Immune Response in Acute Low-Tone Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Immunity is associated with acute low tone hearing loss. However, the exact pathophysiology of immunity-mediated acute low tone hearing loss remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the presence, therapeutic effectiveness, and immunopathological mechanisms of anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies (AECEs) in patients with acute low-frequency hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients who were treated as inpatients having acute low-frequency hearing loss and additional symptoms, such as ear fullness, tinnitus, dizziness, or hyperacusis, were enrolled in this study. Serum samples from these patients were collected for laboratory serum autoimmunity detection, including AECAs, antinuclear antibodies, immunoglobulin, and circular immune complex. Therapeutic responses to combination therapy in short-term outcome and serum cytokine levels were compared between AECA-positive and AECA-negative patients. RESULTS: Anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies-positive patients tended to show significantly less response to standard therapy compared with AECAs controls (P < .05). Moreover, some serum cytokine levels elevated in both AECAs- and AECAs+ groups. Positive ratio of interleukin-8 and concentrations of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α were found higher in AECAs+ groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results supported that AECAs might wield influence on the short-term outcome of acute low-tone hearing loss (ALHL) treatment. Furthermore, AECA-mediated acute low-frequency hearing loss possibly involved dysregulation of inflammation process and release of cytokines.

Microbial Spectrum and Resistance Patterns in Ocular Infections: A 15-Year Review in East China.

PURPOSE: To report antibiotic resistance rates and trends of common ocular isolates collected over a 15-year period. METHODS: We collected 3533 isolates from July 1, 2005 to July 31, 2020. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Chi-squared (χ 2) test was used to analyze changes in antibiotic susceptibility over 15 years. RESULTS: Among the 3533 isolates, the predominant pathogens were the staphylococcal species. Methicillin resistance was observed in 381 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates (46.4%) and 1888 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates (61.1%), and methicillin-resistant (MR) isolates had a high probability of concurrent resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. The mean percentage of resistance in staphylococcal isolates did not reach statistical significance across patient age groups (P = 0.87). Methicillin resistance did not increase in the CoNS (P = 0.546) isolates, and resistance to methicillin slightly decreased among S. aureus (P = 0.04) isolates over 15 years. Additional exploratory analysis revealed a small decrease in resistance to tobramycin (P = 0.01) and chloramphenicol (P < 0.001) among the CoNS isolates. All staphylococcal isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: Staphylococci were the most common microorganisms responsible for causing ocular infections. Antibiotic resistance was high among staphylococci, with nearly half of these isolates were resistant to methicillin and these had a high probability of concurrent resistance among MR staphylococci to other antibiotics. Overall, ocular resistance did not significantly change during the 15-year study period. We conclude that continued surveillance of antibiotic resistance provides critical data to guide antibiotic selection.

Association of Ocular Surface Diseases With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Six Districts of China: An Observational Cohort Study.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. Notably, some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have ocular manifestations, including conjunctival hyperaemia, chemosis, epiphora, and increased secretions. However, the association between SARS-CoV-2 and ocular surface diseases is poorly described. Between May 2020 and March 2021, a total of 2, 0157 participants from six districts of China were enrolled. Serum samples were tested for immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleoprotein using magnetic chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays. Throat swabs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-PCR assays in a designated virology laboratory. Fisher exact, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis were performed. Of 2, 0157 serum samples tested, 1, 755 (8.71%) were from ocular surface diseases, 1, 2550 (62.26%) from no-ocular surface diseases (ocular diseases except ocular surface diseases), 5, 852 (29.03%) from no-ocular diseases. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence for the combined measure was 0.90% (182/2, 0157). Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the population with ocular surface diseases (2.28%, 40/1755) compared with no-ocular surface diseases (0.70%, 88/1, 2550), and no-ocular diseases (0.92%, 54/5, 852). Similar results were also observed with respect to sex, age, time, and districts. Logistic regression analyses revealed that ocular surface diseases [ocular surface diseases vs. no-ocular diseases (p=0.001, OR =1.467, 95% CI=1.174-1.834); ocular surface diseases vs. no-ocular surface diseases (p<0.001, OR =2.170, 95% CI=1.434-3.284)] were associated with increased risk of susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In a word, there was a significant association between ocular surface disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, increasing awareness of eye protection during the pandemic is necessary, especially for individuals with ocular surface diseases.

Immune Cell Status and Cytokines Profiles in Patients with Acute Retinal Necrosis.

Purpose: To assess the immune status of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) patients and to investigate the immune cell types involved in the immunopathogenesis.Methods: Peripheral blood and intraocular fluid were collected from 17 ARN patients and 9 control subjects. The Percentage of immune cells was measured using flow cytometry, levels of complement and antibodies were determined by rate nephelometry, and cytokine levels in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) were detected using cytokine quantitative chips. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Proportion of T-helper 17 cells (p = .034) in serum and concentrations of multiple cytokines associated with Th17 cells (IL-6, IL-17, IL-17 F, IL-21, IL-22) in AH and serum were elevated of ARN patients.Conclusion: Th17 cells appeared to participate in the development of ARN. We found inflammatory cytokines and cells were elevated in the serum and AH of ARN patients.

Ultra-wide-field fundus imaging of acute retinal necrosis: clinical characteristics and visual significance.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical characteristics of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) with ultra-wide-field imaging (UWFI) and analyse their visual significance. METHODS: Clinical and UWFI records of patients diagnosed with ARN at a single centre over 2 years were reviewed. RESULTS: In 38 eyes of 35 patients, the clinical manifestations of ARN on UWFI included patchy (12 eyes) or fan-shaped necrotic lesions (26 eyes), retinal arterial obliteration (38 eyes), vitritis (38 eyes), retinal venous haemorrhage (19 eyes), and vitreous haemorrhage (6 eyes). Retinal detachment was associated with the number of retinal quadrants involved (ß = 2.145, P = 0.005). LogMAR BCVA at last follow-up was associated with logMAR BCVA at presentation (ß = 0.473, P = 0.004) and retinal detachment (ß = 0.367, P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: UWFI is useful for detecting retinal lesions in ARN, especially peripheral lesions or through opaque media, and provides valuable information concerning visual prognosis.

Microbiological Isolates and Antibiotic Susceptibilities in Cases of Posttraumatic Endophthalmitis: A 15-Year Review.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic susceptibilities of isolates in posttraumatic endophthalmitis over a 15-year period. METHODS: A retrospective study of 3,163 posttraumatic endophthalmitis cases was conducted between July 2004 and July 2019. The outcome measures included the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic susceptibilities. Chi-squared tests were conducted to detect trends in changes in antibiotic sensitivity over the 15-year period. P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 3,163 cases of posttraumatic endophthalmitis, 1,003 culture-positive isolates were identified. Among these, there were 848 (84.5%) Gram-positive isolates, 109 (10.9%) Gram-negative isolates, and 46 (4.6%) fungal isolates. The most common isolates were Staphylococcal species. There was a significant increase in the percentage of fungal isolates over the 15-year period (P=0.02). Gram-positive organisms showed the greatest level of susceptibility to vancomycin (99.6%). The susceptibilities of the 109 Gram-negative isolated organisms were as follows: levofloxacin (95.8%), meropenem (95.7%), ciprofloxacin (93.5%), tobramycin (90.8%), imipenem (88.9%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (87.7%), ertapenem (80%), and ceftazidime (79.1%). The susceptibility of Gram-positive organisms to several antibiotics, including levofloxacin (P=0.004), ciprofloxacin (P < 0.001), and chloramphenicol (P=0.001) decreased over time, whereas the susceptibility to TMP-SMX increased over time (P < 0.001). The susceptibility of Gram-negative bacilli to ceftazidime decreased over time (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Over the 15-year study period, most isolates were Gram-positive cocci, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). Vancomycin seemed to be the most effective antibiotic for Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria appeared to be most susceptible to fluoroquinolones. A number of antibiotics showed an increasing trend of microbial resistance.