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Related Concept Videos

Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...

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Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
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Microbial keratitis in Southern Malawi: a microbiological pilot study.

Tobi F Somerville1, Shaffi Mdala2,3, Thokozani Zungu2,3

  • 1Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK tobi@liverpool.ac.uk.

BMJ Open Ophthalmology
|April 23, 2024
PubMed
Summary

A novel corneal impression membrane (CIM) safely collects samples for diagnosing microbial keratitis (MK) in resource-poor settings. This method aids in identifying causative bacteria and viruses, guiding effective empirical treatment for this common cause of blindness.

Keywords:
CorneaInfectionTreatment Medical

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Microbial keratitis (MK) is a leading cause of blindness in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, but diagnostic tools are often limited in resource-poor settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of using a novel corneal impression membrane (CIM) for sample collection in suspected MK cases.
  • To assess the utility of CIM for microbial culture, PCR, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in Malawi.

Main Methods:

  • Corneal samples were collected using a 12 mm polytetrafluoroethylene CIM disc from patients with suspected MK.
  • Samples were analyzed via culture and PCR for specific pathogens (e.g., Acanthamoeba, HSV-1, bacterial 16S rRNA gene).
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were performed.

Main Results:

  • The CIM demonstrated a high overall isolation rate of 81.7%.
  • Gram-positive cocci, including Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, were the most common isolates.
  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was detected in 9.9% of participants; fungi and Acanthamoeba were not found.

Conclusions:

  • The CIM is a safe and feasible method for corneal sampling in suspected MK patients in resource-limited environments.
  • CIM enables microbial identification through culture and PCR, potentially guiding empirical treatment strategies.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full microbiological spectrum and seasonal variations.