Dataset Information
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA in Aqueous Humor of Asymptomatic Individuals.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is detectable in the aqueous of asymptomatic individuals presenting for ophthalmic surgery.Design
Prospective cross-sectional study.Methods
Setting and participants: all patients undergoing anterior segment surgery at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) belonging to a tertiary academic center in South Florida during a 102-day period between June and September 2020 received nasal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent a relevant review of symptoms prior to surgery, with negative results required for both in order to proceed with surgery. Main outcomes and measurements: a small sample of aqueous humor (approximately 0.2 cc) was acquired at the beginning of anterior segment surgery from all participants. Aqueous humor was analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Demographic information was acquired from participants for secondary analyses.Results
A total of 70 samples were acquired. Of those, 39 samples were excluded due to insufficient material or inconclusive results. Of 31 samples that were successfully analyzed, 6 (19.4%) demonstrated detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. None of the 6 individuals (0%) with detectable viral RNA in aqueous humor reported symptoms during the year, compared to 2 of 25 individuals (8%) with negative samples (P = 1). Positive samples were distributed throughout the study period, including both the first and the last days of enrollment.Conclusions
The presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in aqueous despite negative nasal swab testing confirmed its presence beyond the blood-ocular barrier in asymptomatic individuals and raises the possibility that the virus may persist in immunoprivileged spaces despite an absence of symptoms.
SUBMITTER: Koo EH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8132502 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA in Aqueous Humor of Asymptomatic Individuals.
American journal of ophthalmology 20210519
<h4>Purpose</h4>The purpose of this study was to determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is detectable in the aqueous of asymptomatic individuals presenting for ophthalmic surgery.<h4>Design</h4>Prospective cross-sectional study.<h4>Methods</h4>Setting and participants: all patients undergoing anterior segment surgery at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) belonging to a tertiary academic center in South Florida during a 102-day period between June and Sept ...[more]
