Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Human Retinal Biopsies of Deceased COVID-19 Patients

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report the presence of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human retina in deceased patients with confirmed novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Patients and Methods

Fourteen eyes of 14 deceased patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease were enucleated during autopsy. A sample of human retina was secured and fixed in RNAlater™. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect three different viral RNA sequences (RdRp-gene, E-gene and Orf1 gene) of SARS-CoV-2.

Results

In three out of 14 eyes SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in the retina of deceased COVID-19 patients. As analysis for three different sequences (RdRp-gene, E-gene and Orf1 gene) revealed positive results in RT-PCR, the existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in human retina is proven according to the standards of the World-Health-Organization.

Conclusion

Viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the retina of COVID-19 patients.

KEYWORDS:

• ACE-2
• autopsy
• COVID-19
• retina
• RT-PCR
• SARS-CoV-2

Disclosure statement

Heinz-Peter Schultheiss is the owner of the Institute for Cardiac Diagnostics and Therapy. All other authors declare that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.