Metagenomic testing for infections in people with eye inflammation
Metagenomic Sequencing of Ocular Fluids in Patients With Ocular Inflammation
This project will test metagenomic sequencing on eye fluid to find infections in adults with unexplained ocular inflammation who are at risk of vision loss.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT06974162 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project applies metagenomic sequencing to aqueous humor samples and pairs results with ocular imaging to look for infectious causes when standard testing is inconclusive. Participants are adults (≥18) with active ocular inflammation at risk of vision loss and a clinical suspicion of an infectious or para-infectious trigger. Samples will be processed using methods previously optimized for central nervous system infections to detect bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Patients requiring an urgent result within five days or who cannot safely undergo ocular fluid sampling are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with active ocular inflammation not diagnosed by standard tests, suspected to have an infectious or para-infectious cause, and able to undergo aqueous humor sampling are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who need an urgent diagnostic result within five days, who cannot have ocular fluid sampled, children under 18, or those with a confirmed non-infectious diagnosis are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify infections that standard tests miss and allow targeted treatments that may prevent further vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Metagenomic sequencing has shown promise for diagnosing infections in brain (CNS) samples, but its use on ocular fluids is novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older with the capacity to consent 2. Standard of care has not determined a clinical diagnosis 3. Active ocular inflammation with risk of visual loss 4. Clinically suspected infectious or para-infectious cause of ocular inflammation Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to ocular fluid sampling 2. Where an urgent result within 5 days is clinically required
Where this trial is running
London
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Research Administration at Moorfields Eye Hospital R&D
- Email: moorfields.crfenquiries@nhs.net
- Phone: +44 20 7253 2411
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.