# Ocular Surface Microbiome, Virome, and Pathogens in Ophthalmic Disease and Health

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $239,059

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This K08 application for Thuy Doan, M.D., Ph.D., describes a five year strategy designed to enhance her
research and professional skills with the career goal of becoming an independent clinician scientist advancing
the understanding of ocular infectious and inflammatory diseases and improving their treatment.
Infectious uveitis and ocular infections are a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness worldwide. While
timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improved visual outcomes, a definitive diagnosis is often not
possible given the significant knowledge gap in factors predisposing to eye infections and the limitations of
available diagnostic tests in ophthalmology. The core hypothesis of this proposal is that the bacterial and viral
constituents of the ocular surface are involved in ocular health and disease. The goal of this project is to
understand this potential pathogen reservoir, the ocular surface microbiome and virome, and to identify
infectious agents involved in ocular infections. We propose to advance the capabilities of ocular molecular
diagnostics and enhance the understanding of the pathogenesis of ocular infections with the following aims.
The first aim will evaluate the use of a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based approach as a viable clinical
diagnostic test for ocular infections. These experiments will directly compare NGS to the current conventional
molecular diagnostics using archived intraocular samples. Prospectively collected aqueous samples will then
be assessed for potential pathogens. The second aim will characterize the effects of antibiotics on the bacterial
and viral communities using samples collected in a large randomized controlled trial. These studies have the
potential to improve the diagnostic paradigm and guide targeted interventions for ocular infections.
I am committed to developing a clinical research-oriented career in the field of ophthalmology at a major
academic institution and understand the need to pursue additional formal training and mentorship. Key
components of the career development plan include: (1) laboratory investigations of the ocular surface
microbiome, virome, and causes of ocular infectious diseases; (2) mentorship from a multidisciplinary group of
scientists and clinician scientists with expertise in advanced molecular techniques, biostatistics, and clinical
trial designs; (3) formal didactics to expand molecular biology, biostatistics, and clinical microbiology
knowledge; (4) data collection for R01 application; and (5) planned transition to independence including
professional development. A scientific advisory and mentorship committee has been assembled to assure
progression toward independence. The career development plan will be carried out at the University of
California, San Francisco, which provides an exceptional environment to conduct this research, including state-
of-the-art facilities and a world-class and supportive community of scientists ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9980409
- **Project number:** 5K08EY026986-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Thuy A Doan
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $239,059
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9980409

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9980409, Ocular Surface Microbiome, Virome, and Pathogens in Ophthalmic Disease and Health (5K08EY026986-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9980409. Licensed CC0.

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