Epstein-barr infection of the retina: case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a presumed case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of the retina in a 65-year-old female with sudden bilateral vision loss.

METHODS

Diagnostic vitreous biopsy of the left eye was performed to test for EBV and other known infectious causes of retinitis and evaluate vitreous cells.

RESULTS

Serologic EBV testing was positive. Vitreous polymerase chain reaction viral DNA testing was positive for EBV, but negative for herpes-simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasma gondii. Histopathologic analysis of vitreous cells revealed atypical lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Epstein-Barr virus may be a cause of retinal disease. Awareness of this severe ocular complication may enable prompt diagnosis and treatment of future cases, and promote greater investigation into its disease prevalence.