# Improving Corneal Ulcer Outcomes with Unbiased Pathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2022 · $403,750

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Infectious corneal ulcers affect all ages and contribute to significant visual morbidity worldwide. Empiric
treatment with broad spectrum antimicrobials without regard for antimicrobial resistance is presently standard
of care. This is either because pathogen identification with routine microbiological testing is suboptimal or
testing is not done altogether. While empiric treatment is the preferred practice pattern for infectious keratitis
worldwide, this is contrary to the goals and ideals of antimicrobial stewardship. Here, we propose to enhance
the understanding of the pathogenesis of infectious keratitis and antibiotic resistance profiles to improve
diagnostics and therapeutics with the following aims. In the first aim, we will perform worldwide surveillance of
all organisms responsible for infectious keratitis. We expect the spectrum of etiology will vary significantly with
geographic location. In addition, seasonality will affect pathogen profile and disease outcomes. The second
aim will determine the frequency and richness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in corneal ulcer pathogens
and correlate those findings with phenotypes. We expect AMR will differ by global location and predict clinical
outcome. Finally, we will define the local immune response in infectious keratitis. We hypothesize that immune
signatures can predict pathogen types and clinical outcome. Corneal opacity secondary to infectious keratitis
remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and we anticipate this research will guide clinicians
on the best management for corneal infection to reduce both the financial and ocular health burden globally.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10440971
- **Project number:** 1R01EY032861-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Thuy A Doan
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $403,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10440971

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10440971, Improving Corneal Ulcer Outcomes with Unbiased Pathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection (1R01EY032861-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10440971. Licensed CC0.

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