Detecting Human Herpes Viruses in Eye Fluids of Uveitis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Sugita S, Shimizu N, Watanabe K, Mizukami M, Morio T, Sugamoto Y, Mochizuki M
Primary Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Hypothesis
To measure the genomic DNA of human herpes viruses (HHV) in the ocular fluids and to analyse the clinical relevance of HHV in uveitis.
Conclusion
Qualitative multiplex PCR is useful for screening viral infections, but the clinical relevance of the virus infection needs to be evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR.
Supporting Evidence
- Multiplex PCR detected HHV-DNA in 65 out of 100 patients.
- Real-time PCR confirmed high viral loads in many positive cases.
- High viral loads were associated with tissue damage in the eye.
Takeaway
Doctors can find out if certain viruses are causing eye problems by testing the fluid from the eye using special tests.
Methodology
Ocular fluid samples were collected from patients and tested for HHV-DNA using multiplex PCR and real-time PCR.
Limitations
Some viral loads could not be detected, and the study only included patients with uveitis.
Participant Demographics
Patients with various types of uveitis, including herpetic keratouveitis and acute retinal necrosis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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