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Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets

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ISSN (Print): 1871-5265
ISSN (Online): 2212-3989

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Ocular COVID-19: Eyes as a Reservoir to Conceal and Spread SARSCoV- 2

Author(s): Abdul Mannan Baig*, Saara Ahmad, Areeba Khaleeq, Hamna Rafique, Shafiqa Rajput, Mehaer Angez, Ayesha Hameed, Talha Nawaz and Preet Katyara

Volume 21, Issue 4, 2021

Published on: 29 July, 2020

Page: [480 - 483] Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/1871526520999200729182242

Abstract

Ocular tissues can serve as a reservoir for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which can not only cause conjunctivitis but also serve as a source of infection transmission to others. Additionally, the eye and its tear drainage apparatus can track the SARS-CoV-2 from the eye into the respiratory tract of the patient. The potential ocular presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the eye of a patient can target ACE2 receptors in the endothelium of the conjunctival vessels and use the lacrimal sac a potential space to evade immune detection and clinical isolation. The recently reported case of COVID-19 after the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 from a COVID-19 patient should alert the healthcare professionals dealing with COVID-19 patients that wearing masks alone cannot guarantee protection against infection transmission. Further studies, like isolation of SARS-CoV-2 from the eyes of patients with COVID-19, are needed to identify the eyes as a potential source of SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission.

Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 receptors, ocular viral infections, conjunctivitis, respiratory.

Graphical Abstract

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