New advances in etiological diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious keratopathy
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2026.1.07
- VernacularTitle:感染性角膜炎的病原学诊断和防治新进展
- Author:
Yufan LAN
1
;
Mei XU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
infectious keratitis;
diagnosis;
confocal microscopy;
polymerase chain reaction;
microbiota therapy;
nanotechnology;
treatment
- From:
International Eye Science
2026;26(1):39-44
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Infectious keratitis(IK)is a major blinding eye disease worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis and reducing the economic burden. This article reviews advances in the diagnosis and treatment of IK, aiming to provide new insights for clinical management. In terms of diagnosis, in addition to conventional methods such as microbial culture and confocal microscopy, molecular diagnostic technologies—including high-throughput sequencing(NGS), CRISPR, and nanotechnology-based systems—have significantly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of multiplex pathogen detection. These approaches are particularly valuable for identifying mixed infections and rare pathogens. Regarding treatment, in response to the growing challenge of drug resistance, novel drug delivery systems employing nanotechnology and bioactive dressings have markedly improved antibacterial efficacy by enhancing drug penetration and retention. Immunomodulatory therapy and photodynamic therapy effectively control inflammatory responses and improve outcomes. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, as well as microbiome-based therapies, have demonstrated significant advantages in reducing recurrence rates. Stem cell therapy offers new hope for repairing severe corneal damage, while gene therapy—through gene editing or transduction—strengthens the innate defense mechanisms of the cornea and reduces treatment-related side effects.
