PERSISTENT VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS ASSOCIATED WITH SARS-COV-2: CASE REPORT AND BRIEF REVIEW
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2; conjunctivitis; ocular surface; RT-PCR; tears; transmissionAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v10i18.0881
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection may involve the ocular surface, presenting with conjunctival hyperemia, tearing, foreign-body sensation, and conjunctivitis. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses report an overall prevalence of ocular manifestations around 11%, whereas viral RNA detection in tears or conjunctival swabs is generally low and variable.11,12,16,17 Case: We report a 28-year-old man with 10 days of persistent bilateral conjunctivitis, intense itching, and mucopurulent discharge, refractory to initial empirical therapy. Conjunctival RT-PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2. After supportive care and inflammation control, symptoms improved within 72 hours. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 should be considered in persistent or atypical conjunctivitis. Selected cases may benefit from conjunctival RT-PCR and strict infection control measures during ophthalmic care.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; conjunctivitis; ocular surface; RT-PCR; tears; transmission.
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