Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group
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2024 OMIG Abstract

Identifying the Ocular Surface Microbiome and Immune Cells in Healthy Subjects

Simran Mangwani-Mordani¹, Jaishree Gandhi^2,3, Vishal Jhanji², Anthony J. St Leger², Anat Galor<sup>1,4

1</sup>Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami, Miami, FL;
²The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, PA;
³The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA;
⁴Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL

Purpose: Data suggest the presence of a core ocular surface (OS) microbiome in healthy individuals. However, low biomass on the OS, interpersonal variability in microbial composition and uncertainty about stability over time persist. Our study provides the methodology to identify the OS microbiome and its possible interaction with the immune system.

Methods: Study of healthy adults without symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. The inferior palpebral conjunctiva was swabbed to identify viable microorganisms via culturomics and a molecular signature by sequencing. Impression cytology samples were acquired from the temporal conjunctiva and immune cell populations were defined using flow cytometry.

Results: Culturomic samples detected Staphylococcus as the most abundant organism. DNA and RNA sequencing data revealed Corynebacterium in 60% of samples. Flow cytometry revealed δγ T cells as dominating the immune cell signature.

Conclusions: Preliminary culturomics and sequencing data identified Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium as possible components of the core OS microbiome. The presence of conjunctival δγ T cells may suggest interactions between the microbiome and immune system.


Disclosure:

N, S