Human eye ‘susceptible’ to coronavirus infection, new study warns



[ad_1]

Get all the latest news about coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

The researchers widely believe that COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus pandemic, is transmitted from person to person, largely through cough drops, sneezes, and conversations. A new study suggests that the ACE-2 protein can also be transmitted through the eyes.

The study, which has not been peer-reviewed and is published in the bioxriv repository, notes that occult cells, including the conjunctiva, “are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

“…[T]These results indicate that cells on the ocular surface, including the conjunctiva, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and, therefore, could serve as an entry portal, as well as a reservoir for the transmission of this virus. person-to-person, “Johns researchers noted. Hopkins University and Yat-Sen University in China wrote in the study:” This highlights the importance of safety practices, including face masks and eye contact precautions. to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease. “

The player who died from Coronavir has “ANIMAL CROSSING” FUNERAL NINTENDO

The researchers looked at the port mortem eyes of people who did not die from COVID-19 and found the ACE-2 protein and TMPRSS2, “a cell-surface associated protease that facilitates viral entry after binding of the viral spike protein to ACE2. ” They were present.

“… [T]The presence of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells supports the ocular surface as a secondary site of infection after the respiratory tract, or possibly even as the initial portal of entry for an individual, “the researchers added.” Infection of the cells of the ocular surface could lead to the eye as an important carrier, and the elimination of the ocular virus constitutes a significant mechanism for the infection of other people. “

They continued: “Our study therefore highlights the importance of safety practices in the broader community to prevent infection and spread (hygiene, face masks) and the need for additional caution among ophthalmologists.”

The findings come just days after another study found that COVID-19 is nearly 100 times more effective at infecting the human conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Shortly after a pandemic was declared, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a guide not to touch your face and reduce the spread of the virus.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

As of Monday morning, more than 4.1 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide, of which more than 1.33 million are in the US. The USA, the most affected country on the planet.

GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News’ Kayla Riva contributed to this story.

[ad_2]