Chief & Presenting Author: Dr.Shipra Sharda

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the analysis of RT-PCR of nasopha- ryngeal (NP) samples of cornea donors dying because of causes unrelated to severe acute respiratory coronavirus
Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cornea donors dying from causes other than COVID.Informed consent was obtained from the next of kin of the deceased for RT-PCR testing from NP swabs. Rapid antigen testing from all the deceased was performed before in situ cornea excision. In addition, NP samples in viral transport media for RT-PCR were also collected for SARS-CoV-2 analysis.
Result: 118 corneas from 59 donors were obtained by the eye bank. 11 donors (18.64%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR testing. 6 of these 11 donors had a Ct value of E gene less than 25.
Conclusions: NP samples of cornea donors dying due to causes other than coronavirus disease-19 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR.