Ocular manifestations of a hospitalised patient with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease

PurposeTo report the ocular characteristics and the presence of viral RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in conjunctival swab specimens in a patient with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Participant and methodsA 30-year-old man with confirmed COVID-19 and bilateral acute conjunctivitis which occurred 13 days after illness onset. Based on detailed ophthalmic examination, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in conjunctival swabs. The ocular characteristics, presence of viral RNA and viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival specimens were evaluated.ResultsSlit lamp examination showed bilateral acute follicular conjunctivitis. RT-PCR assay demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in conjunctival specimen 13 days after onset (cycle threshold value: 31). The conjunctival swab specimens remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 on 14 and 17 days after onset. On day 19, RT-PCR result was negative for SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 is capable of causing ocular complications such as viral conjunctivitis in the middle phase of illness. Precautionary measures are recommended when examining infected patients throughout the clinical course of the infection. However, conjunctival sampling might not be useful for early diagnosis because the virus may not appear initially in the conjunctiva.

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Associations of clinical characteristics and antiviral drugs with viral RNA clearance in patients with COVID-19 in Guangzhou, China: a retrospective cohort study

10.1101/2020.04.09.20058941 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Xudan Chen ◽

Yuying Zhang ◽

Baoyi Zhu ◽

Jianwen Zeng ◽

Wenxin Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Time Lag ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Antiviral Drugs ◽

Viral Rna ◽

The Novel ◽

Illness Onset ◽

Treatment Regimens ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Novel Coronavirus

AbstractBackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characterized by respiratory symptoms has become a global pandemic although factors influencing viral RNA clearance remained unclear to inform optimal isolation period and treatment strategies.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital from 20th January 2020 to 15th March 2020. The associations of clinical characteristics and treatment regimens on time to viral RNA clearance were analyzed.ResultsWe examined 284 consecutive COVID-19 cases, accounting for 82% of confirmed cases in Guangzhou during this period. At the time of reporting (20th March 2020), 276 (97.2%) had recovered and were discharged from hospital with a median hospital stay of 18 days (interquartile range [IQR]:13-24). Overall, 280 patients achieved viral RNA clearance with a median length of 12 days (IQR: 8-16) after onset of illness. Amongst them, 66.1% had viral RNA cleared within 14 days, and 89.3% within 21 days. Older age, severity of disease, time lag from illness onset to hospital admission, high body temperature, and corticosteroid use were associated with delayed clearance of viral RNA. None of the antiviral regimens (chloroquine, oseltamivir, arbidol, and lopinavir/ritonavir) improved viral RNA clearance. The use of lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with delayed clearance of viral RNA after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionIn patients with COVID-19, isolation for a minimum of 21 days after onset of illness may be warranted, while the use of antiviral drugs does not enhance viral RNA clearance.Brief SummaryViral RNA was cleared in 89% of the COVID-19 patients within 21 days after illness onset. The use of antiviral drugs (chloroquine, oseltamivir, arbidol, and lopinavir/ritonavir) did not shorten viral RNA clearance, especially in non-serious cases.

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First Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Iran, 2020: Case Series Report

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v49i8.3903 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jila YAVARIAN ◽

Nazanin-Zahra SHAFIEI-JANDAGHI ◽

Kaveh SADEGHI ◽

Somayeh SHATIZADEH MALEKSHAHI ◽

Vahid SALIMI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Throat Swab ◽

Case Series ◽

Future Research ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Pcr Products ◽

Case Series Report ◽

E Region ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Series Report

In Jan 2020, the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China spread increasingly to other countries worldwide which WHO declared it as a public health emergency of international concern. Iran was included in the affected countries. Throat swab specimens were collected and tested by using real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) kit targeting the E region for screening and RNA dependent RNA polymerase for confirmation. Conventional RT-PCR was conducted for the N region and the PCR products were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The first seven cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified in Qom, Iran. This report describes the clinical and epidemiological features of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed in Iran. Future research should focus on finding the routes of transmission for this virus, including the possibility of transmission from foreign tourists to identify the possible origin of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Iran.

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Development and Evaluation of A CRISPR-based Diagnostic For 2019-novel Coronavirus

10.1101/2020.02.22.20025460 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Tieying Hou ◽

Weiqi Zeng ◽

Minling Yang ◽

Wenjing Chen ◽

Lili Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Copy ◽

Health Concern ◽

The Novel ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Clinical Sensitivity ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Technology Platforms ◽

Novel Virus ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

BackgroundThe recent outbreak of infections by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the third zoonotic CoV has raised great public health concern. The demand for rapid and accurate diagnosis of this novel pathogen brought significant clinical and technological challenges. Currently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) are the most widely used molecular diagnostics for 2019-nCoV.Methods2019-nCoV infections were confirmed in 52 specimens by mNGS. Genomic information was analyzed and used for the design and development of an isothermal, CRISPR-based diagnostic for the novel virus. The diagnostic performance of CRISPR-nCoV was assessed and also compared across three technology platforms (mNGS, RT-PCR and CRISPR)Results2019-nCoVs sequenced in our study were conserved with the Wuhan strain, and shared certain genetic similarity with SARS-CoV. A high degree of variation in the level of viral RNA was observed in clinical specimens. CRISPR-nCoV demonstrated a near single-copy sensitivity and great clinical sensitivity with a shorter turn-around time than RT-PCR.ConclusionCRISPR-nCoV presents as a promising diagnostic option for the emerging pathogen.

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Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the conjunctival swab of an Italian pediatric patient affected with COVID-19: A case report

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672120977822 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112067212097782

Author(s):

Luciano Quaranta ◽

Francesca Rovida ◽

Ivano Riva ◽

Carlo Bruttini ◽

Ilaria Brambilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Pediatric Patient ◽

Ocular Involvement ◽

Case Description ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Ocular Symptoms ◽

Pediatric Clinic ◽

Conjunctival Swab

Introduction: To report a case of identification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in ocular specimen in a pediatric patient affected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with no signs of ocular involvement. Case description: A 11-year old male patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection was hospitalized at the Pediatric Clinic Clinic of the IRCCS Foundation and Hospital San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. Three days after hospital admission, because of the patient complaining very mild ocular symptoms, an ophthalmological evaluation was performed. No signs related to conjunctivitis or keratitis were found but a conjunctival swab was collected as well, based on patient’s medical history. The specific SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed, unearthing the presence of viral RNA from the swab. On day 25 from hospitalization, the conjunctival swab was repeated, giving negative result. Conclusions: This is the first report of the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in ocular specimen in a pediatric patient without signs of ocular involvement. However, despite the transmission through tears is theoretically possible, it is still unclear whether this could be considered as an important route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

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AN EPIDEMIOLOGY-CLINICAL CORRELATION OF VIRAL LOAD AS MEASURED BY CYCLE THRESHOLD VALUE BY RT-PCR IN COVID-1

10.36106/4843504 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-2

Author(s):

Atrikumar P. Patel ◽

Palak Shah ◽

Pavan Acharya ◽

Monila N. Patel

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Viral Load ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Threshold Value ◽

Clinical Correlation ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Oropharyngeal Swab ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The 2019 novel coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] was rst documented in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread across the globe resulting in [1]. signicant global morbidity and mortality Diagnosis of COVID-19 is mainly done by nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction). Real time RT-PCR is of great interest today for detection of SARS- CoV-2 due to its benets as a specic assay.

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Surveillance and correlation of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, antigen, virus isolation, and self-reported symptoms in a longitudinal study with daily sampling

10.1101/2021.12.23.21268319 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gaston Bonenfant ◽

Jessica Deyoe ◽

Terianne Wong ◽

Carlos G. Grijalva ◽

H. Keipp Talbot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positive Culture ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Household Transmission ◽

Daily Sampling ◽

Diagnostic Panel ◽

Pcr Assays ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus pandemic incited unprecedented demand for assays that detect viral nucleic acids, viral proteins, and corresponding antibodies. The 320 molecular diagnostics in receipt of FDA emergency use authorization mainly focus on viral detection; however, no currently approved test can be used to infer infectiousness, i.e., the presence of replicable virus. As the number of tests conducted increased, persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity by RT-PCR in some individuals led to concerns over quarantine guidelines. To this end, we attempted to design an assay that reduces the frequency of positive test results from individuals who do not shed culturable virus. We describe multiplex quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays that detect genomic RNA (gRNA) and subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) species of SARS-CoV-2, including spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), membrane (M), envelope (E), and ORF8. The absolute copy number of each RNA target was determined in longitudinal specimens from a household transmission study. Calculated viral RNA levels over the 14-day follow up period were compared with antigen testing and self-reported symptoms to characterize the clinical and molecular dynamics of infection and infer predictive values of these qRT-PCR assays relative to culture isolation. When detection of sgS RNA was added to the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, we found a qRT-PCR positive result was 98% predictive of a positive culture (negative predictive value was 94%). Our findings suggest sgRNA presence correlates with active infection, may help identify individuals shedding culturable virus, and that similar multiplex assays can be adapted to current and future variants.

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Ophthalmologic evidence against the interpersonal transmission of 2019 novel coronavirus through conjunctiva

10.1101/2020.02.11.20021956 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

Yunyun Zhou ◽

Yuyang Zeng ◽

Yongqing Tong ◽

Changzheng Chen

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Clinical Analysis ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

State Of Emergency ◽

Ocular Symptoms ◽

The World ◽

Conjunctival Swab ◽

Clinical Protection ◽

Novel Coronavirus

AbstractBackgroundThe emerging 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has pushed several countries into state of emergency all over the world. The possible transmission of 2019-nCoV by conjunctiva is controversial and has substantial public health implications.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was initiated to investigate the possible transmission of 2019-nCoV through aerosol contact with conjunctiva. We enrolled 67 cases of confirmed or suspected cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) during 17–28 Jan 2020. Nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were collected for real time RT-PCR analysis to detect 2019-nCoV.Results63 patients were identified as laboratory-confirmed NCP and the remaining four were suspected NCP. Conjunctival swab samples from one NCP patient yielded positive PCR results and two NCP patients yielded probable positive PCR results. None of the three patients had ocular symptoms. The only one NCP patient with conjunctivitis as the first symptom had negative conjunctival sac 2019-nCoV test. Conjunctival swab samples from the four suspected cases of NCIP were negative.Conclusion2019-nCoV can be detected in the conjunctival sac of patients with NCP. Through clinical analysis, viral transmission via the conjunctival route was not supported by the data. Good clinical protection can effectively cut off the transmission path.

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A simple magnetic nanoparticles-based viral RNA extraction method for efficient detection of SARS-CoV-2

10.1101/2020.02.22.961268 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Zhen Zhao ◽

Haodong Cui ◽

Wenxing Song ◽

Xiaoling Ru ◽

Wenhua Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽

Clinical Diagnosis ◽

Molecular Diagnosis ◽

Extraction Method ◽

Rna Extraction ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Efficient Detection ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Rna Complexes

1AbstractThe ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) originating from Wuhan, China, draws worldwide concerns due to its long incubation period and strong infectivity. Although RT-PCR-based molecular diagnosis techniques are being widely applied for clinical diagnosis currently, timely and accurate diagnosis are still limited due to labour intensive and time-consuming operations of these techniques. To address the issue, herein we report the synthesis of poly (amino ester) with carboxyl groups (PC)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (pcMNPs), and the development of pcMNPs-based viral RNA extraction method for the sensitive detection of COVID-19 causing virus, the SARS-CoV-2. This method combines the lysis and binding steps into one step, and the pcMNPs-RNA complexes can be directly introduced into subsequent RT-PCR reactions. The simplified process can purify viral RNA from multiple samples within 20 min using a simple manual method or an automated high-throughput approach. By identifying two different regions (ORFlab and N gene) of viral RNA, a 10-copy sensitivity and a strong linear correlation between 10 and 105 copies of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus particles are achieved. Benefitting from the simplicity and excellent performances, this new extraction method can dramatically reduce the turn-around time and operational requirements in current molecular diagnosis of COVID-19, in particular for the early clinical diagnosis.

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Estimation of conjunctival swab and nasopharyngeal swab specimens for viral nucleic acid detection in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients to compare the viral load

Latin American Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.25259/lajo_1_2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 2

Author(s):

Jaya Kaushik ◽

Vikas Marwah ◽

Ankita Singh ◽

Y. V. K. Chaitanya ◽

Rajeev Mohan Gupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Nucleic Acid ◽

Statistical Correlation ◽

Nucleic Acid Detection ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Viral Nucleic Acid ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

Conjunctival Swab ◽

Polymerase Chain

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to detect the presence of viral ribonucleic acid of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in conjunctival swab along with nasopharyngeal swab specimens of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Material and Methods: Thirty COVID-19 patients with at least one sample positive for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab with the presence or absence of ocular manifestations were included in the study. The conjunctival swab along with nasopharyngeal swab of each patient was collected and sent to microbiology lab for evaluation and analysis of viral nucleic acid to assess the viral load. Results: Out of 30 patients, 21 patients (70%) were males and the remaining nine patients (30%) were females. Mean age of the patients in the study was 44.80 ± 15.37 years. One patient had conjunctivitis as ocular manifestation. Two (6.7%) out of 30 patients were positive for RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival swab. There was no statistical correlation between nasopharyngeal swab and conjunctival swab positivity using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) = 0.010; P = 0.995 (>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can also be detected in conjunctival swabs of confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients. Although, in comparison to nasopharyngeal and throat swabs the rate of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival swabs is relatively less, still diligent care and precautions should be practiced during the ophthalmic evaluation of COVID-19 patients.

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OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID 19) AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

10.36106/ijsr/9812075 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 80-81

Author(s):

Sushmita Mukherji ◽

Sibaji Dasgupta ◽

Soumen Karmakar

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Ocular Involvement ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

Positive Results

Background: A Worldwide concern, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been also found to be associated with ocular signs and symptoms. Apart from being transmitted among close contacts via respiratory droplets, it is being considered that ocular mucosa, its secretions can also be responsible for transmission. Aims and objectives: To see the different ocular manifestations in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital along with presence of the virus in ocular secretions. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study on 80 patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed by Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive results and followed up during their hospital stay in COVID isolation wards, till discharge or death within a time period from 15th April,2020 to 10th August,2020. Results: Out of the 80 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients studied, 10(12.5%) patients had conjunctival chemosis, 8(10%) patients had conjunctival hyperaemia,12(15%) patients had epiphora and 9(11.25%) patients had increased ocular discharge. 5(6.25%) patients had positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in both conjunctival as well as nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: Ocular involvement can be one of the different systemic involvements of SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular secretion can be a potential source of transmission of the virus. Hence, ocular protection in the form of spectacles or face shields must be undertaken apart from the other barriers to reduce the possible chances of transmission of the disease.

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