Absence of Herpesvirus DNA in Aqueous Humor from Asymptomatic Subjects

• Published in: Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) Vol. 16; pp. 959 - 962
• Main Authors: von Hofsten, Joanna, Bergström, Tomas, Zetterberg, Madeleine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 01.01.2022; Dove; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: Analysis; aqueous humor; Cataract; cytomegalovirus; DNA; Epstein-Barr virus; evolution; fluids; herpes simplex virus; hsv-1 DNA; Oftalmologi; Ophthalmology; polymerase-chain-reaction; shedding; Short Report; Surgery; tears; type-1; uveitis; varicella zoster virus; Sweden; herpes simplex virus; varicella zoster virus; shedding; aqueous humor
• ISSN: 1177-5483; 1177-5467; 1177-5483
• DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S358964

To assess herpesvirus DNA detection in aqueous humor from a cohort of asymptomatic Scandinavian patients undergoing elective cataract surgery. Prospective case series. Aqueous samples were obtained from 30 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was performed. Toxoplasma was added to the analysis due to its role as pathogen with ocular latency. Mean age of participants was 75.3 years. Sixteen subjects (53%) had ocular comorbidities. Five subjects (17%) had endothelial dysfunction without known hereditary pattern. None of the samples were positive for herpesviruses or toxoplasma. None of the aqueous samples were positive, suggesting shedding does not frequently occur in the aqueous humor of asymptomatic patients.