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[Methods for assessing the microbiological diversity of the ocular surface].
E S Rodina1, E I Fettser1,2, I A Novikov2
1I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
Vestnik Oftalmologii
|July 4, 2024
Summary
The ocular surface microbiome in healthy individuals is diverse, with common bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Research methods significantly impact identified microbial communities, affecting study results.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- The ocular surface (OS) hosts a complex microbial community.
- Understanding this microbiome is crucial for ocular health.
- Variations in research methodologies can influence findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare microbial communities of the healthy OS using various research methods.
- To assess the impact of different methodologies and sample preparation on results.
- To identify concordant and discordant microbial findings across studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific studies utilizing cultural, microscopic, and molecular genetic methods.
- Analysis of microbial community data from conditionally healthy individuals.
- Cross-verification of identified microorganisms across different taxonomic ranks.
Main Results:
- Identified key microorganisms on healthy OS: Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, and Serratia.
- Highlighted the influence of research methods and sample preparation on microbial identification.
- Assessed the impact of soft contact lens wear on the OS microbial composition.
Conclusions:
- Standardized methods are needed for consistent OS microbial profiling.
- Specific bacterial genera are consistently found on the healthy ocular surface.
- Further research should explore the functional implications of the OS microbiome.
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