The aim of this study is to assess the virus RNA, and miRNA levels related to viral infection, and inflammatory response in tears of hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 with and without conjunctivitis and to correlate them with clinical condition. Tears will be collected by using Schirmer Test I, a non invasive painless test which can be performed at the patient's bed. Tears will be collected on the graduated paper strips pulling the lower lid gently downward for 5 minutes. Following, the strip will be placed in a 2.0 mL Eppendorf tube and stored at -80◦C (or - 20°C)
The SARS-CoV-2 is a virus highly infectious whose main target of infection is the respiratory
tract. Virus has been reported to target other mucus tissues, such as the conjunctiva of the
eye and causes conjunctivitis. A recent study has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the
tears of patients affected by COVID-19 with conjunctivitis, using real-time reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This suggests that droplets and body fluids
of infected people can contaminate the human conjunctival mucosa and it can be a view of
transmission that it must not be ignored.
A role of miRNAs has been found in ocular infections such as fungal, bacterial, viral
infections. It would be interesting to correlate tear fluid miRNA levels to patients clinical
findings
Diagnostic Test: Schirmer Test I
Collection of tear fluid
Inclusion Criteria (Group 1):
- A confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 disease
- Age ≥ of 18 years.
- absence of conjuntivitis detected by portable slit lamp
Inclusion Criteria (Group 2):
- A confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 disease
- Age ≥ of 18 years.
- Presence of bilateral conjunctivitis defined as red eyes (macroscopic signs of
conjunctival congestion)
Exclusion Criteria (both groups):
- Pregnant women
- Any form Ocular surface diseases preceding Covid-19 diagnosis, Glaucoma, history of
anterior segment inflammation, previous penetrating ocular trauma
- Ocular surgeries within previous 6 months
- Topical therapies
- History of ocular allergy
Ophtalmology Clinic, G.d'Annunzio University
Chieti, Italy
Manuela Lanzini, Doctor
+393703005156
m.lanzini@unich.it
Leonardo Mastropasqua, Professor, Principal Investigator
Ophtalmology Clinic, G. d'Annunzio University