Erschienen in:
03.11.2020 | COVID-19 | Leitthema
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What is the significance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 infections?
verfasst von:
Prof. Dr. Dr. Clemens Lange, Julian Wolf, Claudia Auw-Haedrich, Anja Schlecht, Stefaniya Boneva, Thabo Lapp, Hansjürgen Agostini, Gottfried Martin, Thomas Reinhard, Prof. Dr. Günther Schlunck
Erschienen in:
Die Ophthalmologie
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Sonderheft 1/2021
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Abstract
Recent studies have described conjunctivitis in approximately 1% of COVID-19 patients and speculated that SARS-CoV‑2 can be transmitted via the conjunctiva. In this article we recapitulate the molecular mechanisms of host cell entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and discuss the current evidence for a potential conjunctival transmission of SARS-CoV‑2. The current body of evidence indicates that SARS-CoV‑2 requires the membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the membrane-bound serine protease TMPRSS2 to enter cells. Recent studies suggest that COVID-19 patients rarely exhibit viral RNA in tear film and conjunctival smears and that, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are only expressed in small amounts in the conjunctiva, making conjunctival infection with SARS-CoV‑2 via these mediators unlikely. Nevertheless, we consider the current evidence to be still too limited to provide a conclusive statement and recommend appropriate protective measures for healthcare personnel who are in close contact with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.