Understanding Host-Pathogen Interaction in the Cornea: Inflammatory Response and Cure
Suman Kumar *
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India and State-Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Vimal Singh Munda
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Neha Sharad
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Rajan Kumar
Department of Paediatric, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Maneesh Kumar
State-Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Ratnesh Kumar
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Mithilesh Kumar Jha
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Shashank Nand Tiwari
State-Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
Pratima Gupta
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India and State-Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a serious disease of the cornea that poses a major risk to the health and vision of people all over the world. It is caused by various microbial invaders, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. Combating microbial keratitis requires understanding the intricate web of immune responses and pathogenic pathways that cause the infection. To develop innovative strategies to treat the disease and improve patient survival, we need to understand how the immune system works, how hosts and infections interact and how complicated the pathophysiology is. Looking to the future, we are on the cusp of a transformative era in treating microbial keratitis. Innovations in therapeutic technology, such as targeted antimicrobial drugs, immunomodulatory therapies and precision medicine techniques, are set to revolutionise the field. These advancements will enable customised treatments for specific microbiological causes and patient characteristics. Integrating molecular biology, imaging and artificial intelligence into novel diagnostic techniques will enhance early diagnosis and personalised treatment programmes, leading to better clinical outcomes and reduced ocular morbidity. Collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives is critical to accelerating the translation of scientific knowledge into clinical practice. Improving patient care, increasing treatment efficacy and saving eyesight are the goals for the future of microbial keratitis treatment.
Keywords: Microbial keratitis, bacteria keratitis, fungi keratitis, inflammation, corneal infection, cytokines