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Deivarajan HR, Elamurugan V, Sivashanmugam P, Pandian J, Sevugamurthi K, Rameshkumar G, Ghosh S, Banerjee D, Venugopal A, Jose A, Rammohan R, Raghavan A, Rajaraman R, Kuppamuthu D, Prajna L, Prajna VN, Narendran S. Development and Clinical Evaluation of a CRISPR/Cas12a-Based Nucleic Acid Detection Platform for the Diagnosis of Keratomycoses. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100522. [PMID: 38881611 PMCID: PMC11179415 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to develop a rapid and accurate clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a-based molecular diagnostic assay (Rapid Identification of Mycoses using CRISPR, RID-MyC assay) to detect fungal nucleic acids and to compare it with existing conventional mycologic methods for the diagnosis of fungal keratitis (FK). Design This study was structured as a development and validation study focusing on the creation and assessment of the RID-MyC assay as a novel diagnostic modality for FK. Subjects Participants comprised 142 individuals presenting with suspected microbial keratitis at 3 tertiary care institutions in South India. Methods The RID-MyC assay utilized recombinase polymerase amplification targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene for isothermal amplification, followed by a CRISPR/Cas12a reaction. This was benchmarked against microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of FK. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measures focused on the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the RID-MyC assay in detecting fungal nucleic acids. Secondary outcomes measured the assay's diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for FK, including its concordance with conventional diagnostic methods. Results The RID-MyC assay exhibited a detection limit ranging from 13.3 to 16.6 genomic copies across 4 common fungal species. In patients with microbial keratitis, the RID-MyC assay showed substantial agreement with microscopy (kappa = 0.714) and fair agreement with culture (kappa = 0.399). The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.62%-97.25%) and a specificity of 89.47% (95% CI, 66.86%-98.70%) for FK diagnosis, with a median diagnostic time of 50 minutes (range, 35-124 minutes). Conclusions The RID-MyC assay, utilizing CRISPR-Cas12a technology, offers high diagnostic accuracy for FK. Its potential for point-of-care use could expedite and enhance the precision of fungal diagnostics, presenting a promising solution to current diagnostic challenges. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanith Raj Deivarajan
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vignesh Elamurugan
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Retina & Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Padmapriya Sivashanmugam
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation Regional Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jaishree Pandian
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation Regional Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karvannan Sevugamurthi
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Swagata Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Daipayan Banerjee
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anitha Venugopal
- Department of Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anju Jose
- Department of Retina & Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ram Rammohan
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anita Raghavan
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Revathi Rajaraman
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venkatesh N Prajna
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Siddharth Narendran
- Department of Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation Regional Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Cataract Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Venugopal A, Christy J, Raut V, P P, Patwardhan V, V V, Madkaikar A, P M, Meenakshi R, Ramakrishnan R. Viral Keratitis, Surgical Intervention in Viral Keratitis, Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Keratitis, HSV, HZV. Semin Ophthalmol 2024; 39:340-352. [PMID: 38303587 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2309533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Viral keratitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic modalities for viral keratitis. The most common viral pathogens associated with this condition are adenovirus, herpes simplex (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). However, emerging viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Vaccinia virus can also cause keratitis. Non-surgical interventions are the mainstay of treatment for viral keratitis. Antiviral agents such as Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, and trifluridine have effectively reduced viral replication and improved clinical outcomes. Additionally, adjunctive measures such as lubrication, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory agents have alleviated symptoms by reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair. Despite these conservative approaches, some cases of viral keratitis may progress to severe forms, leading to corneal scarring, thinning, or perforation. In such instances, surgical intervention becomes necessary to restore corneal integrity and visual function. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current perspectives and surgical interventions in managing viral keratitis. The choice of surgical technique depends on the extent and severity of corneal involvement. As highlighted in this article, on-going research and advancements in surgical interventions hold promise for further improving outcomes in patients with viral keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha Venugopal
- Department of Cornea & Refractive services, Aravind Eye, Hospital and postgraduate institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Josephine Christy
- Department of Cornea & Refractive services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, India
| | - Vaidehi Raut
- Post-Graduate in Ophthalmology Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Preethi P
- Post-Graduate in Ophthalmology Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veena Patwardhan
- Medical Consultant, Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veeramma V
- Fellow in Cornea and Refractive surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aditee Madkaikar
- Department of Cornea & Refractive services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mangala P
- Department of Cornea & Refractive services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Ispizua Mendivil E, Durán de la Colina JA. Infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear: REGINFECOR multicenter study. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2024; 99:237-247. [PMID: 38588998 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This 32-centre multicentre study addresses the lack of knowledge about the prevalence and significance of microbial keratitis (MK) associated with contact lens (CL) wear in Spain. A total of 304 cases recruited from 32 hospitals were studied and showed that infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear mainly affects young women during the summer months. In this study, soft lenses with monthly replacement and single solution cleaning were most commonly used, purchased and fitted in opticians' shops. Common risk factors were identified among users, such as topping off solutions, prolonging the life of lenses, and frequently sleeping, swimming and showering with lenses. Overnight lens wear was significantly associated with a higher incidence of corneal opacities, and the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bacterial cultures was associated with more severe sequelae and a greater need for corneal transplantation. Although most cases were benign, the time taken to heal was long, which poses a problem for working patients. This study provides valuable epidemiological, microbiological and risk factor information and estimates the incidence of CL related MK in Spain to be approximately 1 case per 30,000 inhabitants per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ispizua Mendivil
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital de Urduliz, Urduliz, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Wong KY, Wong MS, Liu J. Nanozymes for Treating Ocular Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401309. [PMID: 38738646 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Nanozymes, characterized by their nanoscale size and enzyme-like catalytic activities, exhibit diverse therapeutic potentials, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-angiogenic effects. These properties make them highly valuable in nanomedicine, particularly ocular therapy, bypassing the need for systemic delivery. Nanozymes show significant promise in tackling multi-factored ocular diseases, particularly those influenced by oxidation and inflammation, like dry eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Their small size, coupled with their ease of modification and integration into soft materials, facilitates the effective penetration of ocular barriers, thereby enabling targeted or prolonged therapy within the eye. This review is dedicated to exploring ocular diseases that are intricately linked to oxidation and inflammation, shedding light on the role of nanozymes in managing these conditions. Additionally, recent studies elucidating advanced applications of nanozymes in ocular therapeutics, along with their integration with soft materials for disease management, are discussed. Finally, this review outlines directions for future investigations aimed at bridging the gap between nanozyme research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Ying Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17 W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Sau Wong
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17 W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Juewen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17 W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
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Almutleb ES, Ramachandran S, Khan AA, El-Hiti GA, Alanazi SA. Synergistic Effect of Nilavembu Choornam-Gold Nanoparticles on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Susceptibility and Contact Lens Contamination-Associated Infectious Pathogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2115. [PMID: 38396792 PMCID: PMC10889799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial colonies mitigate rapid biofilm formation and have complex cell wall fabrications, making it challenging to penetrate drugs across their biofilm barriers. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial susceptibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contact lens barrenness. Nilavembu Choornam-Gold Nanoparticles (NC-GNPs) were synthesized using NC polyherbal extract and characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer, SEM-EDX, XRD, Zeta sizer, FTIR, and TEM analysis. Contact lenses with overnight cultures of antibiotic-resistant bacteria K. pneumoniae and S. aureus showed significant differences in growth, biofilm formation, and infection pathogenicity. The NC-GNPs were observed in terms of size (average size is 57.6 nm) and surface chemistry. A zone of inhibition was calculated for K. pneumoniae 18.8 ± 1.06, S. aureus 23.6 ± 1.15, P. aeruginosa 24.16 ± 0.87, and E. faecalis 24.5 ± 1.54 mm at 24 h of NC-GNPs alone treatment. In electron microscopy studies, NC-GNP-treated groups showed nuclear shrinkage, nuclear disintegration, degeneration of cell walls, and inhibited chromosomal division. In contrast, normal bacterial colonies had a higher number of cell divisions and routinely migrated toward cell multiplications. NC-GNPs exhibited antibacterial efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria when compared to NC extract alone. We suggest that NC-GNPs are highly valuable to the population of hospitalized patients and other people to reduce the primary complications of contact lens contamination-oriented microbial infection and the therapeutic efficiency of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samivel Ramachandran
- Cornea Research Chair, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia; (E.S.A.); (A.A.K.); (G.A.E.-H.); (S.A.A.)
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Ilyas M, Stapleton F, Willcox MDP, Henriquez F, Peguda HK, Rayamajhee B, Zahid T, Petsoglou C, Carnt NA. Epidemiology of and Genetic Factors Associated with Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Pathogens 2024; 13:142. [PMID: 38392880 PMCID: PMC10892102 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe, rare protozoal infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba can survive in diverse habitats and at extreme temperatures. AK is mostly seen in contact lens wearers whose lenses have become contaminated or who have a history of water exposure, and in those without contact lens wear who have experienced recent eye trauma involving contaminated soil or water. Infection usually results in severe eye pain, photophobia, inflammation, and corneal epithelial defects. The pathophysiology of this infection is multifactorial, including the production of cytotoxic proteases by Acanthamoeba that degrades the corneal epithelial basement membrane and induces the death of ocular surface cells, resulting in degradation of the collagen-rich corneal stroma. AK can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, which includes avoiding water contact, such as swimming or showering in contact lenses, and wearing protective goggles when working on the land. AK is mostly treated with an antimicrobial therapy of biguanides alone or in combination with diaminidines, although the commercial availability of these medicines is variable. Other than anti-amoeba therapies, targeting host immune pathways in Acanthamoeba disease may lead to the development of vaccines or antibody therapeutics which could transform the management of AK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ilyas
- Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab 54000, Pakistan; (M.I.)
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Mark D. P. Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Fiona Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, The University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
| | - Hari Kumar Peguda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Binod Rayamajhee
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
| | - Tasbiha Zahid
- Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab 54000, Pakistan; (M.I.)
| | | | - Nicole A. Carnt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (H.K.P.)
- Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Gunasekaran R, Chandrasekaran A, Rajarathinam K, Duncan S, Dhaliwal K, Lalitha P, Prajna NV, Mills B. Rapid Point-of-Care Identification of Aspergillus Species in Microbial Keratitis. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:966-973. [PMID: 37768674 PMCID: PMC10540059 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.4214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Importance Microbial keratitis (MK) is a common cause of unilateral visual impairment, blindness, and eye loss in low-income and middle-income countries. There is an urgent need to develop and implement rapid and simple point-of-care diagnostics for MK to increase the likelihood of good outcomes. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Aspergillus-specific lateral-flow device (AspLFD) to identify Aspergillus species causing MK in corneal scrape and corneal swab samples of patients presenting with microbial keratitis. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study was conducted between May 2022 and January 2023 at the corneal clinic of Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. All study participants were recruited during their first presentation to the clinic. Patients aged 15 years or older met the eligibility criteria if they were attending their first appointment, had a corneal ulcer that was suggestive of a bacterial or fungal infection, and were about to undergo diagnostic scrape and culture. Main Outcomes and Measures Sensitivity and specificity of the AspLFD with corneal samples collected from patients with MK. During routine diagnostic scraping, a minimally invasive corneal swab and an additional corneal scrape were collected and transferred to aliquots of sample buffer and analyzed by lateral-flow device (LFD) if the patient met the inclusion criteria. Photographs of devices were taken with a smartphone and analyzed using a ratiometric approach, which was developed for this study. The AspLFD results were compared with culture reports. Results The 198 participants who met the inclusion criteria had a mean (range) age of 51 (15-85) years and included 126 males (63.6%). Overall, 35 of 198 participants with corneal scrape (17.7%) and 17 of 40 participants with swab samples (42.5%) had positive culture results for Aspergillus species. Ratiometric analysis results for the scrape samples found that the AspLFD achieved high sensitivity (0.89; 95% CI, 0.74-0.95), high negative predictive value (0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), low negative likelihood ratio (0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.30), and an accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97). Ratiometric analysis results for the swab samples showed that the AspLFD had high sensitivity (0.94; 95% CI, 0.73-1.00), high negative predictive value (0.95; 95% CI, 0.76-1.00), low negative likelihood ratio (0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.48), and an accuracy of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.73-0.96). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this diagnostic study suggest that AspLFD along with the ratiometric analysis of LFDs developed for this study has high diagnostic accuracy in identifying Aspergillus species from corneal scrapes and swabs. This technology is an important step toward the provision of point-of-care diagnostics for MK and could inform the clinical management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameshkumar Gunasekaran
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karpagam Rajarathinam
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sheelagh Duncan
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Dhaliwal
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Prajna Lalitha
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N. Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bethany Mills
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Tong WY, Tan WN, Kamarul Azizi MA, Leong CR, El Azab IH, Lim JW, Mahmoud MHH, Dailin DJ, Ibrahim MM, Chuah LF. Nanoparticle-laden contact lens for controlled release of vancomycin with enhanced antibiotic efficacy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139492. [PMID: 37451643 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Vancomycin is the last resort antibiotic for the treatment of severe bacterial keratitis. Its clinical application is limited due to its hydrophilicity and high molecular weight. To overcome this, this study aims to develop nanoparticles-laden contact lens for controlled ocular delivery of vancomycin. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as encapsulant material. The nanoparticles had a negative surface charge and an average size of 147.6 nm. A satisfactory encapsulation efficiency (61.24%) was obtained. The release profile was observed to be slow and sustained, with a release rate of 1.29 μL mg-1 h-1 for 48 h. Five out of 6 test bacteria were suppressed by vancomycin nanoparticles-laden contact lens. Vancomycin is generally ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria and unable to pass through the outer membrane barrier. In this study, vancomycin inhibited Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nano-encapsulation enables vancomycin to penetrate the Gram-negative cell wall and further destroy the bacterial cells. On Hohenstein challenge test, all test bacteria exhibited significant reduction in growth when exposed to vancomycin nanoparticles-laden contact lens. This study created an effective and long-lasting vancomycin delivery system via silicone hydrogel contact lenses, by using PVA as encapsulant. The antibiotic efficacy and vancomycin release should be further studied using ocular in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woei Yenn Tong
- Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Branch Campus Institute of Medical Science Technology, A1, 1, Jalan TKS 1, Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia; Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Branch Campus Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Lot 1988 Kawasan Perindustrian Bandar Vendor, Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia.
| | - Wen-Nee Tan
- School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Afif Kamarul Azizi
- Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Branch Campus Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Lot 1988 Kawasan Perindustrian Bandar Vendor, Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Chean Ring Leong
- Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Branch Campus Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Lot 1988 Kawasan Perindustrian Bandar Vendor, Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Islam H El Azab
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jun Wei Lim
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self Sustainable Building, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, 32610, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - M H H Mahmoud
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Joe Dailin
- Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Bioprocess and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohamed M Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lai Fatt Chuah
- Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Ong HS, Sharma N, Phee LM, Mehta JS. Atypical microbial keratitis. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:424-439. [PMID: 34768003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Atypical microbial keratitis refers to corneal infections caused by micro-organisms not commonly encountered in clinical practice. Unlike infections caused by common bacteria, cases of atypical microbial keratitis are often associated with worse clinical outcomes and visual prognosis. This is due to the challenges in the identification of causative organisms with standard diagnostic techniques, resulting in delays in the initiation of appropriate therapies. Furthermore, due to the comparatively lower incidence of atypical microbial keratitis, there is limited literature on effective management strategies for some of these difficult to manage corneal infections. This review highlights the current management and available evidence of atypical microbial keratitis, focusing on atypical mycobacteria keratitis, nocardia keratitis, achromobacter keratitis, and pythium keratitis. It will also describe the management of two uncommonly encountered conditions, infectious crystalline keratopathy and post-refractive infectious keratitis. This review can be used as a guide for clinicians managing patients with such challenging corneal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Shing Ong
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Department, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lynette M Phee
- Department of Pathology, Sengkang General Hospital, SingHealth, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Department, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Medical School, Singapore; School of Material Science & Engineering and School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Wu C, Zhu R, Lu Y, Li D, Xiao Y, Cui W, Li N. Editorial: Three-way interactions between host, environment, and microbiome: Importance of microbiology in the One Health. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1177119. [PMID: 37025636 PMCID: PMC10071026 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1177119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxu Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Cui
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Weiwei Cui
| | - Na Li
- School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Na Li
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11
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Zhao B, He D, Gao S, Zhang Y, Wang L. Hypothetical protein FoDbp40 influences the growth and virulence of Fusarium oxysporum by regulating the expression of isocitrate lyase. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1050637. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1050637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal growth is closely related to virulence. Finding the key genes and pathways that regulate growth can help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of fungal growth and virulence in efforts to locate new drug targets. Fusarium oxysporum is an important plant pathogen and human opportunistic pathogen that has research value in agricultural and medicinal fields. A mutant of F. oxysporum with reduced growth was obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, the transferred DNA (T-DNA) interrupted gene in this mutant coded a hypothetical protein that we named FoDbp40. FoDbp40 has an unknown function, but we chose to explore its possible functions as it may play a role in fungal growth regulatory mechanisms. Results showed that F. oxysporum growth and virulence decreased after FoDbp40 deletion. FOXG_05529 (NCBI Gene ID, isocitrate lyase, ICL) was identified as a key gene that involved in the reduced growth of this mutant. Deletion of FoDbp40 results in a decrease of more than 80% in ICL expression and activity, succinate level, and energy level, plus a decrease in phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin level and an increase in phosphorylated 5′-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase level. In summary, our study found that the FoDbp40 regulates the expression of ICL at a transcriptional level and affects energy levels and downstream related pathways, thereby regulating the growth and virulence of F. oxysporum.
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12
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Clinical Case of Viral Keratitis. Cureus 2022; 14:e30311. [PMID: 36407263 PMCID: PMC9659497 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratitis is a pathological condition involving inflammation of the cornea. It can be an infectious or non-infectious disease. The causative organisms of keratitis are categorized as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The viruses responsible for causing keratitis are herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus, and adenoviruses. The clinical features of this infection may range from pain and redness of the eye to scarring of the cornea or blindness. We present the case of a 71-year-old elderly female patient suffering from viral (HSV) keratitis. She was referred to the department of ophthalmology with complaints of diminution of vision and watering in the right eye associated with pain and redness for one month, which was progressive and gradual in onset. On local examination, the surface of the cornea was irregular in the right eye, with the presence of old keratitis precipitates. Viral infection is the second leading cause of keratitis and is very common in the western world. Because the transmission is due to droplets and fomites, strict measures must be taken to prevent transmission. If anyone comes in contact, prophylactic antiviral therapy can be administered. The prognosis is favorable if adequately treated. It can lead to blindness if not treated on time.
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13
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Ren Z, Li W, Liu Q, Dong Y, Huang Y. Profiling of the Conjunctival Bacterial Microbiota Reveals the Feasibility of Utilizing a Microbiome-Based Machine Learning Model to Differentially Diagnose Microbial Keratitis and the Core Components of the Conjunctival Bacterial Interaction Network. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:860370. [PMID: 35558101 PMCID: PMC9086711 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.860370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Both healthy and diseased human ocular surfaces possess their own microbiota. If allowed, opportunistic pathogens within the ocular microbiota may cause microbial keratitis (MK). However, the nonpathogenic component of the ocular microbiota has been proven to undermine the performance of culture, the gold standard of the etiological diagnosis for MK. As the conjunctival bacterial microbiota generates unique alterations with various oculopathies, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of distinguishing MK using machine learning based on the characteristics of the conjunctival bacterial microbiome associated with various types of MK. This study also aimed to reveal which bacterial genera constitute the core of the interaction network of the conjunctival bacterial microbiome. Conjunctival swabs collected from the diseased eyes of MK patients and the randomly chosen normal eyes of healthy volunteers were subjected for high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. The relative content of each bacterial genus and the composition of bacterial gene functions in every sample were used to establish identification models with the random forest algorithm. Tenfold cross validation was adopted. Accuracy was 96.25% using the bacterial microbiota structure and 93.75% using the bacterial gene functional composition. Therefore, machine learning with the conjunctival bacterial microbiome characteristics might be used for differentiation of MKs as a noninvasive supplementary approach. In addition, this study found that Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Helicobacter, and Sphingomonas constitute the core of the interaction network of the conjunctival bacterial microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Ren
- Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanling Dong
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yusen Huang
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yusen Huang,
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14
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Ward MS, Hastings JP, Shmunes KM, Ronquillo Y, Hoopes PC, Moshirfar M. Atypical presentation of acanthamoeba keratitis resembling central toxic keratopathy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 25:101243. [PMID: 35028488 PMCID: PMC8715135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2021.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe an atypical case of acanthamoeba keratitis with positive in vivo confocal microscopy in a non-contact lens user who presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of central toxic keratopathy. OBSERVATIONS The patient presented with bilateral, though sequential, decreased visual acuity with mild pain. Examination showed stromal haze with corneal flattening and thinning without epithelial defects. Optical coherence tonometry of the right eye revealed an inverse dome-shaped appearance of the opacity and in-vivo confocal imaging showed double-walled cysts consistent with acanthamoeba. Corneal haze, stromal loss, resolved and visual acuity improved over time. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE Acanthamoeba is a rare cause of infectious keratitis that is most often associated with contact lens wear in developed countries. Typically, it presents with a unilateral decrease in visual acuity, photophobia, watering, and pain that is out of proportion to slit lamp examination findings. However, many atypical presentations have been reported in the literature. Consequently, it may be misdiagnosed, especially early in the course of the disease. This delay in diagnosis can lead to progressive ulceration and visual impairment. In addition, cyst formation can make eradication with anti-amoebic treatment especially difficult.Central toxic keratopathy is a non-inflammatory clinical syndrome of unknown etiology that is most often associated with excimer laser ablation, though other associated causes have been reported. It is characterized by a central or paracentral opacity with corneal stromal loss and resultant hyperopic shift. The opacification and stromal loss mostly resolve over the course of months with an improvement in visual acuity. This report may help physicians broaden their differential and correctly diagnose atypical presentations of amoebic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan P. Hastings
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Majid Moshirfar
- Hoopes Vision Research Center, Draper, UT, USA
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Utah Lions Eye Bank, Murray, UT, USA
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15
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Koyama A, Miyazaki D, Nakagawa Y, Ayatsuka Y, Miyake H, Ehara F, Sasaki SI, Shimizu Y, Inoue Y. Determination of probability of causative pathogen in infectious keratitis using deep learning algorithm of slit-lamp images. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22642. [PMID: 34811468 PMCID: PMC8608802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacities are important causes of blindness, and their major etiology is infectious keratitis. Slit-lamp examinations are commonly used to determine the causative pathogen; however, their diagnostic accuracy is low even for experienced ophthalmologists. To characterize the “face” of an infected cornea, we have adapted a deep learning architecture used for facial recognition and applied it to determine a probability score for a specific pathogen causing keratitis. To record the diverse features and mitigate the uncertainty, batches of probability scores of 4 serial images taken from many angles or fluorescence staining were learned for score and decision level fusion using a gradient boosting decision tree. A total of 4306 slit-lamp images including 312 images obtained by internet publications on keratitis by bacteria, fungi, acanthamoeba, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) were studied. The created algorithm had a high overall accuracy of diagnosis, e.g., the accuracy/area under the curve for acanthamoeba was 97.9%/0.995, bacteria was 90.7%/0.963, fungi was 95.0%/0.975, and HSV was 92.3%/0.946, by group K-fold validation, and it was robust to even the low resolution web images. We suggest that our hybrid deep learning-based algorithm be used as a simple and accurate method for computer-assisted diagnosis of infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Koyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Dai Miyazaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan.
| | | | | | - Hitomi Miyake
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Fumie Ehara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yumiko Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Inoue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishicho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
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16
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Combined Phialemonium curvatum and Acanthamoeba Keratitis: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Specific Therapy. Cornea 2021; 40:1340-1343. [PMID: 34481411 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical and confocal findings of a unique case of combined Phialemonium curvatum and Acanthamoeba keratitis and to highlight the role of the prompt diagnosis and specific medical treatment in preserving visual function. METHODS A case report and literature review. RESULTS A 54-year-old woman presented with a 3-day history of visual impairment, photophobia, and ocular pain in her right eye. Her best corrected visual acuity was 0.4 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution scale, and the slit-lamp examination showed whitish corneal stromal infiltrate with satellite lesions. In vivo confocal microscopy evidenced Acanthamoeba cysts and fungal hyphae that resulted P. curvatum in the culture examination. The intensive medical treatment was started with topical 0.02% polyhexamethylene biguanide, voriconazole 1%, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride 0.5%. Progressive improvement of clinical and confocal pictures was registered with a complete recovery of visual function after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case report of combined P. curvatum and Acanthamoeba keratitis. The fast diagnosis with in vivo confocal microscopy allowed early and intensive specific treatment with recovery of corneal infection.
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17
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Parmar DP, Rathod JS, Karkhanawala MM, Bhole PK, Rathod DS. Foldscope: A smartphone based diagnostic tool for fungal keratitis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 69:2836-2840. [PMID: 34571644 PMCID: PMC8597444 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3331_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Smartphone-based microscopy tool like foldscope (FS) may serve the purpose of a low-cost diagnostic alternative to the compound light microscope especially in areas with limited resources. The purpose of this study was to detect fungal pathogens causing keratitis on direct smear by smartphone-mounted FS and to evaluate the efficacy of FS against routine compound light microscope (CLM). Methods: The prospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center from September 2019 to March 2020. The study included 60 smear examinations (Gram stain [GM] n = 30, Lactophenol Cotton Blue [LCB] n = 30) to detect fungal pathogens from corneal scraping material of clinically suspected fungal keratitis (FK) cases. The diagnostic utility of FS was compared with CLM for both GM and LCB wet mount. Data collected were used to quantify the agreement using Cohen’s kappa between CLM and FS imaging. Results: Forty-six samples out of 60 were positive for fungi using CLM. GM stain and LCB showed 22/30 (73.33%) and 24/30 (80%) positive results with CLM, respectively. Moderate agreement (0.49) was observed between CLM and FS with the smartphone method. LCB mount showed high specificity of 1.00 over 0.87 of GM stain for FS with the smartphone. Conclusion: Direct smear can be an early and sensitive measure to diagnose FK other than clinical suspicion. The smartphone-mounted FS has limited sensitivity as an alternative to CLM, but excellent specificity in the present study for FK. The FS as a smartphone-based diagnostic tool is simple, portable, and inexpensive in resource-constrained rural or remote clinical and public health settings in the absence of CLM and other higher diagnostic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipali P Parmar
- M and J Institute of Ophthalmology, (Government Eye Hospital), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Jay S Rathod
- M and J Institute of Ophthalmology, (Government Eye Hospital), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Pradnya K Bhole
- M and J Institute of Ophthalmology, (Government Eye Hospital), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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18
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Russello G, Moramarco A, Vizzini L, Farina C, Fontana L, Carretto E. Diagnostic approach and epidemiology of Microbial Keratitis: findings from an Italian Tertiary Care center. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 101:115470. [PMID: 34352436 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rapid identification of causative microorganisms of microbial keratitis (MK) and knowledge of the most common local pathogens are prerequisites for rational antimicrobial therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the characteristics of MK diagnosed at the IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova of Reggio Emilia (Italy) in a 5-years period, where the Ophthalmologist Unit is a reference center for corneal infections. During the study period, 183 MK were evaluated through corneal scrapings cultures. The positivity rate was 54,1%. A total of 107 microorganisms have been isolated: Acanthamoeba species was the etiologic agent in 19 cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were more frequently isolated in bacterial keratitis, while Fusarium spp., Candida albicans, and Alternaria alternata were predominant among the fungal isolates. Strict cooperation between ophthalmologists and clinical microbiologists is advisable to allow the best diagnostic approach for MK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Russello
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Moramarco
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Loredana Vizzini
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luigi Fontana
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Carretto
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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19
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Abolhosseini M, Moshtaghion SM, Rezaei Kanavi M, Hosseini SB. A triad of microscopes for rapid and proper diagnosis of infectious keratitis. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 105:333-335. [PMID: 34134595 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1932430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abolhosseini
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohamadmehdi Moshtaghion
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Confocal Scan, Central Eye Bank of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Rebibo L, Tam C, Sun Y, Shoshani E, Badihi A, Nassar T, Benita S. Topical tacrolimus nanocapsules eye drops for therapeutic effect enhancement in both anterior and posterior ocular inflammation models. J Control Release 2021; 333:283-297. [PMID: 33798665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tacrolimus has shown efficacy in eye inflammatory diseases. However, due to the drug lability, its formulation into a stable ophthalmic product remains a challenge. Tacrolimus-loaded nanocapsules (NCs) were designed for ocular instillation. Further, the stability and effects of the formulation were analyzed under different experimental conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the NCs revealed suitable homogeneous size and high encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, the lyophilized formulation was stable at ICH long term and accelerated storage conditions, for at least 18 and 3 months, respectively. The tacrolimus NCs did not elicit any eye irritation in rabbits after single- and multiple-dose applications. Additionally, ex vivo penetration assays on isolated porcine cornea and pharmacokinetics analyses in various rabbit eye compartments demonstrated the superiority of the NCs in retention and permeation into the anterior chamber of the eye compared to the free drug dissolved in oil. Moreover, multiple dose ocular instillation of the NCs in rats allowed high tacrolimus levels in the eye with very low plasma concentrations. Finally, the developed delivery system achieved a significant decrease in four typical inflammatory markers in a murine model of keratitis, an anterior chamber inflammation. Furthermore, these NCs, applied as eye drops, displayed clinical and histological efficacy in the mainly posterior chamber inflammation model of murine, experimental auto-immune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Rebibo
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Connie Tam
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Taher Nassar
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Simon Benita
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; BioNanoSim Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel.
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21
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Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030323. [PMID: 33801905 PMCID: PMC7998329 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis is an unusual corneal infection that is recently increasing in frequency and is often contracted by contact lens wearers, someone who experienced recent eye trauma, or someone exposed to contaminated waters. Acanthamoeba survive in air, soil, dust, and water. Therefore, eye trauma and poor contact lens hygiene practices lead to the entrapment of debris and thus infection. Acanthamoeba keratitis results in severe eye pain, inflammation, and defects of the epithelium and stroma that can potentially result in vision loss if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. The disease can be diagnosed using corneal scrape/biopsy, polymerase chain reactions, impression cytology, or in vivo confocal microscopy. Once diagnosed, it is usually treated with an antimicrobial combination therapy of biguanide and aromatic diadine eye drops for several months. Advanced stages of the disease result in vision loss and the need for corneal transplants. Avoiding the risk factors and diagnosing the disease early are the most effective ways to combat Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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22
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Alqudah NM, Jammal HM. Infective Keratitis Following Iontophoresis-assisted Corneal Crosslinking (I-CXL): A Case Report. Open Ophthalmol J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874364102115010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
The standard corneal crosslinking (S- CXL) technique requires corneal epithelial removal, thus increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Newer technique like iontophoresis-assisted corneal crosslinking (I-CXL) with comparable efficacy as S-CXL but without the increased risk of complications associated with corneal epithelium removal is used. However, being a comparatively newer technique, the safety and efficacy of I-CXL have not been fully explored.
Case Description:
Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with infective keratitis in one eye after uneventful bilateral I-CXL for keratoconus. Two days after the procedure, the patient presented with decreased vision and pain in the right eye. Clinical examination revealed ciliary injection and central corneal rounded infiltrates measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm with an overlying epithelial defect. Microbiological studies revealed negative results. Based on clinical examination, the patient was managed successfully with fortified topical antibiotics.
Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, we report the first documented case of unilateral infective keratitis following bilateral I-CXL. Ophthalmologists should monitor the possible complications post-I-CXL as it might not be as safe as we expect.
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23
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Megha K, Sharma M, Gupta A, Sehgal R, Khurana S. Microbiological diagnosis of Acanthamoebic keratitis: experience from tertiary care center of North India. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115339. [PMID: 33618203 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a painful vision-threatening infection caused by pathogenic free-living Acanthamoeba. Due to the non-specific clinical presentation, this condition tends to be misdiagnosed by clinicians. A timely diagnosis is crucial for favorable visual outcome. Three hundred patients with suspected microbial keratitis presenting to the Advanced Eye Center at our tertiary care center in North India during the period from 2014 to 2018 were included. Patient's corneal scrapings, contact lens, lens solution, lens case, and tears were processed for microscopic examination by Giemsa and Calcofluor staining, non-nutrient agar (NNA) culture and molecular diagnosis by conventional PCR (cPCR) and Real-time PCR (qPCR). 18S rDNA gene sequencing was done to assess phylogenetic relationship. AK was found in 3.6% (11/300) of non-bacterial non-fungal keratitis patients. Among microbiological techniques, microscopy for Acanthamoeba was positive in 7 cases, NNA culture was positive in 9 cases and 11 cases were detected both by cPCR and qPCR. The sensitivity of microscopy, culture, cPCR and qPCR was 63.64%, 81.82 %, 100%, and 100% respectively whereas specificity was 100% for all the tests. 18S rDNA sequencing revealed that A. castellanii was the predominant species and isolates were genetically distinct. AK should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infectious keratitis. Molecular tests are useful for rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis and must be included in workup of keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Megha
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amit Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
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24
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Neidhart B, Kowalska M, Valentin JDP, Gall FM, Ren Q, Riedl R, Pot S, Rottmar M. Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase (TIMP) Peptidomimetic as an Adjunctive Therapy for Infectious Keratitis. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:629-639. [PMID: 33347749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has a key role in many biological processes, and while it is crucial for a normal immune response, excessive release of this enzyme can lead to severe tissue damage, as evidenced by proteolytic digestion and perforation of the cornea during infectious keratitis. Current medical management strategies for keratitis mostly focus on antibacterial effects, but largely neglect the role of excess MMP activity. Here, a cyclic tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) peptidomimetic, which downregulated MMP-9 expression both at the mRNA and protein levels as well as MMP-9 activity in THP-1-derived macrophages, is reported. A similar downregulating effect could also be observed on α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the TIMP peptidomimetic reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced MMP-9 activity in an ex vivo porcine infectious keratitis model and histological examinations demonstrated that a decrease of corneal thickness, associated with keratitis progression, was inhibited upon peptidomimetic treatment. The presented approach to reduce MMP-9 activity thus holds great potential to decrease corneal tissue damage and improve the clinical success of current treatment strategies for infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Neidhart
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Malwina Kowalska
- Ophthalmology Section, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jules D P Valentin
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Max Gall
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Qun Ren
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Riedl
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Simon Pot
- Ophthalmology Section, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rottmar
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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McDaniel JS, Scott LLF, Rebeles J, Bramblett GT, Eriksson E, Johnson AJ, Griffith GL. Treatment of Corneal Infections Utilizing an Ocular Wound Chamber. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:4. [PMID: 33200046 PMCID: PMC7645231 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.12.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate that the ocular wound chamber (OWC) can be used for the treatment of bacterial keratitis (BK). Methods A blepharotomy was performed on anesthetized, hairless guinea pigs to induce exposure keratopathy 72 hours before corneal wound creation and Pseudomonas aeruginosa inoculation. Twenty-four hours postinoculation, eyes were treated with an OWC filled with 500 µL 0.5% moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (OWC), 10 µL 0.5% moxifloxacin hydrochloride drops (DROPS) four times daily, or not treated (NT). White light, fluorescein, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images; ocular and periocular tissues samples for colony-forming units (CFU) quantification; and plasma samples were collected at 24 and 72 hours posttreatment. Results White light, fluorescein, and SD-OCT imaging suggests OWC-treated eyes are qualitatively healthier than those in DROPS or NT groups. At 24 hours, the median number of CFUs (interquartile range) measured was 0 (0-8750), 150,000 (106,750-181,250), and 8750 (2525-16,000) CFU/mL for OWC, NT, and DROPS, respectively. While 100% of NT and DROPS animals remained infected at 24 hours, only 25% of OWC-treated animals showed infection. Skin samples at 24 hours showed infection percentages of 50%, 75%, and 0% in DROPS, NT, and OWC groups, respectively. OWC-treated animals had higher moxifloxacin plasma concentrations at 24 and 72 hours than those treated with drops. Conclusions OWC use resulted in a more rapid decrease of CFUs when compared to DROPS or NT groups and was associated with qualitatively healthier ocular and periocular tissue. Translational Relevance The OWC could be used clinically to continuously and rapidly deliver antimicrobials to infected ocular and periocular tissues, effectively lowering bacterial bioburdens and mitigating long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S McDaniel
- Laulima Government Solutions, LLC, c/o Sensory Trauma, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Laura L F Scott
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Branch, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Rebeles
- BioAffinity Technologies, Science Research Laboratories (SRL) 1.424, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gregory T Bramblett
- Department of Sensory Trauma, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Anthony J Johnson
- Department of Sensory Trauma, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gina L Griffith
- Department of Sensory Trauma, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Production of a polyclonal antibody against inosine-uridine preferring nucleoside hydrolase of Acanthamoeba castellanii and its access to diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239867. [PMID: 32997695 PMCID: PMC7526901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare disease but its prevalence throughout the globe continues to grow, primarily due to increased contact lens usage. Since early-stage symptoms associated with AK closely resemble those from other corneal infections, accurate diagnosis is difficult and this often results in delayed treatment and exacerbation of the disease, which can lead to permanent visual impairment. Accordingly, developing a rapid Acanthamoeba–specific diagnostic method is highly desired. In the present study, a rapid and differential method for AK diagnosis was developed using the secretory proteins derived from the pathogenic Acanthamoeba. Among the vast quantities of proteins secreted by the pathogenic Acanthamoeba, an open reading frame of the inosine-uridine preferring nucleoside hydrolase (IPNH) gene was obtained. After expressing and purifying the IPNH protein using the pGEX 4T-3 vector system, mice were immunized with the purified proteins for polyclonal antibody generation. Western blot was performed using protein lysates of the human corneal cell, non-pathogenic amoeba, pathogenic amoeba, and clinical amoeba isolate along with lysates from other causes of keratitis such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Fusarium solani to confirm Acanthamoeba-specificity. Western blot using the polyclonal IPNH antibody revealed that IPNH was Acanthamoeba-specific since these proteins were only observed in lysates of Acanthamoeba origin or its culture media. Our findings indicate that the IPNH antibody of Acanthamoeba may serve as a potential agent for rapid and differential AK diagnosis.
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Cyphellophora sp. Isolated from a Corneal Ulcer in the Human Eye. Case Rep Ophthalmol Med 2020; 2020:5861258. [PMID: 32774963 PMCID: PMC7395999 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5861258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyphellophora is a black yeast-like fungus with most of the strains being isolated from soil and plants. It tends to cause sooty blotch and flyspeck disease in plants. In humans, it is known to cause superficial skin and nail infections. This report highlights the case of a patient who initially presented with a small corneal abrasion which rapidly progressed into a corneal ulcer after the patient did not respond to the initial conventional treatment. The laboratory results from the corneal scraping found it to be Cyphellophora sp.
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Diagnostic information Profiling and Evaluation of Causative Fungi of Fungal Keratitis Using High-throughput Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequencing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1640. [PMID: 32015395 PMCID: PMC6997210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for the targeted management of fungal keratitis (FK), which is one of the major blinding eye diseases worldwide. To elucidate the diagnostic information of high-throughput internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing for identifying causative fungi of FK, 38 patients who were highly suspected of having FK were included in this research. In vivo confocal microscopy, potassium hydroxide smear, and fungal culture were performed to diagnose FK. Culture and ITS sequencing were used to identify causative fungi. We hypothesized that the dominant genus was the result of pathogen identification by ITS sequencing. Thirty-five patients were eventually diagnosed with FK, with fungal pathogens found by confocal microscopy in 27 patients (77.14%), by smear examination in 27 patients (77.14%), by culture in 25 patients (71.43%), and by ITS sequencing in 26 patients (74.29%). Eight causative fungal genera were determined by ITS sequencing, while five causative fungal genera were identified based on the morphology of the cultured pathogens. The results of ITS sequencing and culture were coincident in 10 patients with FK (28.57%). It is concluded that ITS sequencing, to some extent, challenged fungal culture and might be an optional complement in identifying fungal pathogens in corneas.
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Milman T. Unusual Ocular Pathologies. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2019; 33:201-202. [PMID: 31686958 PMCID: PMC6819712 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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