Heterogenous pathogen profile associated with acute conjunctivitis in Nepal.

BACKGROUND

Infectious conjunctivitis is common in Nepal.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective study recruited 60 patients with presumed acute infectious conjunctivitis from the B.P. Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies in Kathmandu, Nepal. Swabs from the conjunctiva and anterior nares were processed for metagenomic RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq).

RESULTS

Pathogens were identified in 55% of cases. RNA viruses were the most common pathogen class identified. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was the most common RNA virus identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute infectious conjunctivitis varies by location. Contrary to expectations, RNA viruses predominated. Repeat surveillance may be useful and RNA-seq allows for detection of the unexpected pathogen including RNA viruses.