Evaluation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 RNA in tear specimens of hospitalised patients with confirmed novel Coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to detect the presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 RNA in the tears of patients with confirmed novel Coronavirus disease 2019. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed at Health Science University Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kırdar City Hospital between 13-21 May 2020. Nasopharyngeal and tear samples of 15 patients with novel Coronavirus disease 2019 was performed for real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Ocular and systemic signs and symptoms, chest computed tomographic scans, and results of laboratory blood tests as well as the drugs used for the treatment were noted and analyzed. Results: Of the 15 patients nine (60%) were male and six (40%) were female. Mean age of the patients was 53.86±20.20 (21-89) years. Among them nine patients (60%) were positive for novel coronavirus disease 2019 on real-time polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal specimens. None of the patients was positive for real-time polymerase chain reaction for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in tear specimens. Only two of 15 patients had bilateral conjunctivitis. These two patients had positive results for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 on real-time polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: In this study Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 RNA could not be detected in the tear samples of the patients with confirmed novel Coronavirus disease 2019 with or without ocular symptoms and signs.