Novel retinal lesion in Ebola survivors, Sierra Leone, 2016

Steptoe, P. J. et al. (2017) Novel retinal lesion in Ebola survivors, Sierra Leone, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(7), pp. 1102-1109. (doi: 10.3201/eid2307.161608) (PMID:28628441) (PMCID:PMC5512503)

Abstract

We conducted a case-control study in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to investigate ocular signs in Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors. A total of 82 EVD survivors with ocular symptoms and 105 controls from asymptomatic civilian and military personnel and symptomatic eye clinic attendees underwent ophthalmic examination, including widefield retinal imaging. Snellen visual acuity was <6/7.5 in 75.6% (97.5% CI 63%-85.7%) of EVD survivors and 75.5% (97.5% CI 59.1%-87.9%) of controls. Unilateral white cataracts were present in 7.4% (97.5% CI 2.4%-16.7%) of EVD survivors and no controls. Aqueous humor from 2 EVD survivors with cataract but no anterior chamber inflammation were PCR-negative for Zaire Ebola virus, permitting cataract surgery. A novel retinal lesion following the anatomic distribution of the optic nerve axons occurred in 14.6% (97.5% CI 7.1%-25.6%) of EVD survivors and no controls, suggesting neuronal transmission as a route of ocular entry.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by The Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust, Bayer Global Ophthalmology Awards Programme, and Enhancing Research Activity in Epidemic Situations (ERAES) Wellcome Trust Programme.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Scott, Dr Janet
• Authors: Steptoe, P. J., Scott, J. T., Baxter, J. M., Parkes, C. K., Dwivedi, R., Czanner, G., Vandy, M. J., Momorie, F., Fornah, A. D., Komba, P., Richards, J., Sahr, F., Beare, N. A. V., and Semple, M. G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• ISSN: 1080-6040
• ISSN (Online): 1080-6059
• Published Online: 19 June 2017
• Copyright Holders: Materials published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, including text, figures, tables, and photographs are in the public domain and can be reprinted or used without permission with proper citation
• First Published: First published in Emerging Infectious Diseases 23(7): 1102-1109
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License