An unexpected cause of eye disease has been found
Scientists discovered that the bacterium Corynebacterium mastitidis on the eye's surface protects against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Scientists discovered that the bacterium Corynebacterium mastitidis on the eye's surface protects against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Bacteria living on the surface of the eye may be linked to eye diseases or, conversely, provide immune protection against disease, scientists have established. They believe agents that alter the eye's microbiome will transform ophthalmology. Overall, the baseline microbiome depends on age, ethnicity, place of residence, presence of illnesses and whether contact lenses are worn.
The baseline microbiome comes down to four types of bacteria — staphylococci, diphtheroids, propionibacteria and streptococci, as well as the TT hepatitis virus (found on the eye surface in 65% of people). Scientists tested whether bacteria on the eye's surface can stimulate an immune response, protecting the eyes from dangerous pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Back in 2016 it was suggested that protective bacteria live near the eyes. Recent investigations have shown: the bacterium Corynebacterium mastitidis (C. mast) lives on the surface of the eyes. It stimulates immune cells, causing them to release antimicrobial compounds and kill bacteria in tear fluid. When C. mast was present in the eyes, the risk of infection with Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa — pathogens capable of causing blindness — was significantly reduced.
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