Abstract
Purpose: :
To design a same-day method to detect dangerous organisms that cause infectious keratitis. We have developed a method for diagnosing the precise organism causing keratitis. Tagged monoclonal antibody (MAb) will be applied to infected corneal buttons for visualization under a prototype two-photon ophthalmoscope. We believe that this method will still be effective even if topical antibiotics have been initiated.
Methods: :
Monoclonal antibody to various organisms causing keratitis is readily available. The antibody will be labeled with a fluorescent marker which will be attached to infected donor corneal buttons. The sample will then be viewed under the two-photon ophthalmoscope. Infections that will be studied include Pseudomonas, Acanthamoeba, and Microsporidium. Cysts seen in Acanthamoeba, Microsporidium, and other infections can directly be viewed under our device. MAb will be further studied as a potential novel treatment for keratitis. Additionally, the two-photon device has an acousto-optic modulator that will allow treatment precisely aimed at the cysts of some organisms without damaging adjacent corneal tissue.
Results: :
Ps. aeruginosa
Conclusions: :
Early identification of corneal infection is crucial to saving vision. Ps., Acanthamoeba, and Microsporidium cause devastating loss of vision, which often result in corneal transplant. We have had initial success in viewing Ps. under the two-photon device. Application of a tagged MAb will allow rapid diagnosis of the organism responsible for keratitis under the two-photon device. MAb has been successfully studied in mice as a potential treatment for infection and may prove more beneficial than broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Keywords: pseudomonas • microscopy: light/fluorescence/immunohistochemistry • keratitis