Harpal Singh Sandhu1, Amir Hajrasouliha2, Henry J Kaplan1, Wei Wang1. 1. a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Louisville , Louisville , Kentucky , USA. 2. b Division of Ophthalmology , Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA.
Abstract
Purpose: To compare genetic testing for microbes in infectious endophthalmitis or uveitis to culture. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center case series that enrolled patients with clinically suspected endophthalmitis or uveitis of unknown etiology. Aqueous humor or vitreous was collected and sent for routine cultures and genetic testing. Results: In total, 46 patients were enrolled. Genetic testing was positive in 32/46 (70%) cases and culture 6/46 cases (13%). Five of 16 uveitis cases had a final clinical diagnosis of infectious uveitis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 4/5 cases (80%), versus 0% for culture. In uveitis cases, PCR was 80% sensitive and 82% specific, and culture had 0% sensitivity. The overall sensitivity and specificity of PCR for all cases were 85% and 67%, respectively, compared with 17% and 100% for culture. Conclusion: Genetic assays are inexpensive ($25/case) and more sensitive than culture for identifying intraocular pathogens in endophthalmitis and uveitis.
Purpose: To compare genetic testing for microbes in infectious endophthalmitis or uveitis to culture. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center case series that enrolled patients with clinically suspected endophthalmitis or uveitis of unknown etiology. Aqueous humor or vitreous was collected and sent for routine cultures and genetic testing. Results: In total, 46 patients were enrolled. Genetic testing was positive in 32/46 (70%) cases and culture 6/46 cases (13%). Five of 16 uveitis cases had a final clinical diagnosis of infectious uveitis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 4/5 cases (80%), versus 0% for culture. In uveitis cases, PCR was 80% sensitive and 82% specific, and culture had 0% sensitivity. The overall sensitivity and specificity of PCR for all cases were 85% and 67%, respectively, compared with 17% and 100% for culture. Conclusion: Genetic assays are inexpensive ($25/case) and more sensitive than culture for identifying intraocular pathogens in endophthalmitis and uveitis.
Authors: Justin van Halsema; Ruud Jansen; Adriaan Heineken; Tjaco M van Ossewaarde; Magda A Meester-Smoor; Jan C van Meurs Journal: Acta Ophthalmol Date: 2021-07-13 Impact factor: 3.988