Whether the new type of coronavirus is transmitted through the respiratory tract or not, this has always been a hot issue for researchers.
A study by Zhejiang University revealed that among the samples of patients with neocoronary pneumonia studied, tears and conjunctival secretions from a patient with conjunctivitis were present, and a virus-positive result was found in the nucleic acid test.
The research was conducted by the team of Professor Shen Ye, the dean of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the leader of the ophthalmology department. The results were published in the Journal of Medical Virology on February 26.
Shen Ye said that studying different modes of transmission is of great significance for grasping the rules of transmission of new coronaviruses, improving disease treatment methods and prevention and control measures.
Researchers from Zhejiang University from January 26 to February 9 confirmed 30 patients with neocoronary pneumonia diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College and studied their mixture of tears and conjunctiva secretions.
None of the six samples in the first phase of the study were found to be positive for nucleic acid detection.
The team believes that the existing samples are not representative and comprehensive. To this end, it is necessary to extend the observation period and continue to stay in the isolation ward for sampling and research.
The research team found in a patient with neocoronary pneumonia that the patient has conjunctival inflammation in the left eye, which is red eye disease caused by the neocrown, but not in the right eye.
In previous knowledge, the patient had no conjunctivitis before admission. Nucleic acid tests were negative in other patient samples in this study.
"The patient's eye differences are very representative, and after consent was obtained, we investigated whether conjunctival inflammation was linked to the virus."
Through nucleic acid testing, Zhejiang University researchers found that the new eye coronavirus was positive in the left eye with conjunctivitis and negative in the right eye. To ensure the accuracy of the study, three nucleic acid tests were performed on the conjunctival secretions of both eyes, and the results were consistent.
At present, the patient has undergone comprehensive antiviral treatment, and if the overall cure is achieved, the conjunctival inflammation has also improved, and the eye virus is negatively detected again. Researchers continue to study how patients develop ocular conjunctival inflammation due to a new coronavirus.
Shen Ye introduced that through this study, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. The patient's left eye conjunctivitis is related to the new coronavirus; 2. There is a risk of eye infection of the new coronavirus; 3. The respiratory tract may not be the only one transmitting the new coronavirus way.
Shen Ye said that the significance of the study is to remind medical staff to wear goggles in addition to masks when examining suspicious cases. The research provides scientific basis for further improvement of national guidelines and standards for the prevention and control of new coronaviruses.
"The conjunctiva is what we usually call the outermost layer of eye white. It is the spacer where the eyes come in contact with air. Oxygen can be absorbed in the conjunctiva and participate in the barrier function of metabolism. Its normal function can block the invasion of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses." Shen Ye said.
He also said that whether the coronavirus can find human immune loopholes and enter the human body needs further research, and looks forward to solving the mystery through cooperation.
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