Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection

A 29-year-old doctor from Bristol, Ellie Irwin, regained her eyesight after a metagenomics test identified a rare bacterial infection that had caused her chronic eye inflammation for five years. Initially diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, she underwent various treatments, including steroid eye drops and immunosuppressants, but her condition continued to deteriorate. At one point, she contemplated having her affected eye removed due to the persistent pain and blurred vision. The innovative metagenomics test, which uses genomic sequencing to identify pathogens, diagnosed her with leptospirosis, likely contracted during a trip to South America. Professor Carlos Pavesio emphasized the significance of this breakthrough in diagnosing chronic infections, noting that many patients remain undiagnosed despite extensive testing.

Ellie's emotional reaction to the positive diagnosis underscored the test's life-changing potential. After a three-week course of antibiotics, she experienced a remarkable recovery in her vision. This case highlights the promise of advanced diagnostic technologies in improving patient outcomes.