A Tear-Based Approach for Rapid Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Corneal Ulcers Using Nanopore Sequencing.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This prospective observational study assesses the efficacy of using portable next-generation sequencing directly on tear samples to identify bacterial pathogens in corneal ulcers.

Methods

Tear samples were collected from ulcerated and contralateral eyes using Schirmer strips. Corneal scrapings and cultures were performed as medically indicated. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified from tear samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Nanopore sequencing was used for bacterial species identification and taxonomic classification.

Results

Bacterial DNA was identified in 8 of 10 samples using the tear-based sequencing method. Nanopore sequencing accurately identified the causative bacteria in all four samples that exhibited bacterial growth on culture and detect

SUBMITTER: Dibbs M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12013674 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature