Open AccessDetection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in conjunctival swab of a COVID-19 patient: The first report from Bangladesh
Author(s) -
Samprity Islam,
S. M. Rashed,
Akther,
Tahmina,
Mahfuzullah,
Muhammad Afzal,
Nasif,
Omar Abdullah,
Jamil Jamil,
Shafayet,
Mosaddeque,
Mymuna Binte,
Munshi,
Saif Ullah
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
sage open medical case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2050-313X
DOI - 10.1177/2050313x20964103
Subject(s) - medicine , chemosis , covid-19 , dermatology , conjunctiva , coronavirus , anosmia , virology , erythema , rna , immunology , disease , surgery , infectious disease (medical specialty) , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA (SARS-CoV-2 RNA). It usually manifests by fever and/or respiratory illness. Here, we present a case of COVID-19 patient who initially presented ocular symptoms like redness, itching, and watery discharge. Afterward, the patient developed fever and anosmia suggestive of COVID-19 disease. Nasopharyngeal swab and conjunctival swab test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA revealed positive by reverse-transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was managed symptomatically at home and did not require any hospital admission. On day 12, the patient clinically recovered fully and his follow-up testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA of both conjunctival swab and nasopharyngeal swab became undetected. This report emphasized that conjunctival mucosa may be considered as a portal of entrance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in addition to the respiratory route. This study highlighted that any kind of ocular manifestations, such as conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, watery discharge, periorbital erythema, and burning sensation should never be overlooked for probable COVID-19 in current pandemic settings. Moreover, strict eye protection using goggles/face shield should be used by all health care workers despite any working environment while caring for patients with or without COVID-19-related signs.