Sars-cov2 virus in tears and conjunctival secretions of covid-19 patients
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology
; 37(3):294-299, 2021.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-1328462
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
To determine the presence of SARS-COV 2 viruses in tears and conjunctival secretions of patients with diagnosed COVID-19. StudyDesign:
Prospective interventional case series. Place and Duration of Study Rawalpindi Institute of Urology, Department of infectious diseases, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University, from September 2020 to October 2020.Methods:
Samples of conjunctival and tear secretions were collected from 60 hospitalized patients of COVID-19 who were confirmed with nasopharyngeal swabs test. Disposable conjunctival swab sticks were used for sampling. Samples were taken within 3 days of admission. SARS-COV 2 virus evaluation in tears and conjunctival secretions was done by Qualitative RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) analysis. Ocular features were documented. Regarding systemic course of illness, details were noted from their hospital records.Results:
Mean age of the patients was 56.63 ± 16.373 years. Out of 60 patients, 42 were males and 18 were females. Twenty two (36.6%) patients had mild disease and moderate and severe disease was present in 19 patients (31.6%) each. Six (10%) patients had positive conjunctival and tear secretions for SARS-COV 2 viral RNA. All patients with positive ocular secretions for viral RNA were in first week of course of disease and 3 patients had severe COVID 19 disease signifying high viral load. Only one patient had conjunctivitis and ocular symptoms of redness and foreign body sensation.Conclusion:
There is likelihood of SARS-COV 2 virus transmission via ocular secretions as frequency of patients with SARS-COV 2 viral RNA detected in tears was 10% in current study therapeutic services. © 2021, Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan. All rights reserved.
Full text:
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Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Language:
English
Journal:
Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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