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Assessing the ocular surface microbiome in severe ocular surface diseases
Michael J Zilliox1, William S Gange2, Gina Kuffel1
1Department of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
The Ocular Surface
|July 28, 2020
Summary
The ocular surface microbiome differs significantly in chronic eye diseases like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Dry Eye Disease (DED), and Lax Eyelid Syndrome (LES) compared to healthy eyes. This study highlights potential associations between specific ocular surface diseases and distinct microbial profiles.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- The microbiome plays a crucial role in ocular health and disease.
- Understanding the ocular surface microbiome (OSM) is vital for diagnosing and treating chronic eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the OSM in four chronic ocular surface diseases (OSDs) and compare it to healthy controls.
- To investigate potential associations between specific OSDs and their corresponding microbiome composition.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study involving 39 patients (78 eyes) with chronic OSDs and healthy controls.
- Ocular surface samples collected using sterile swabs.
- DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing performed with rigorous contamination controls; concurrent use of topical treatments and bandage contact lenses (BCLs) documented.
Main Results:
- Positive sequencing reads obtained from 60% of sampled eyes, despite low biomass.
- Distinct inter-eye microbiomes observed in 50% of patients.
- Specific bacterial dominances identified: Staphylococcus in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Lactobacillus in ocular graft-vs-host disease (oGVHD), and Corynebacterium in Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Lax Eyelid Syndrome (LES). Healthy controls showed Lactobacillus/Streptococcus or Corynebacterium.
- Higher alpha diversity noted in healthy controls and oGVHD patients compared to other OSDs.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in the ocular surface microbiome exist across various chronic ocular surface diseases.
- Specific bacterial profiles are associated with SJS, oGVHD, DED, and LES.
- Findings suggest a potential link between ocular surface disease and the ocular microbiome, warranting further investigation.
