Absence of Herpesvirus DNA in Aqueous Humor from Asymptomatic Subjects.

PURPOSE: To assess herpesvirus DNA detection in aqueous humor from a cohort of asymptomatic Scandinavian patients undergoing elective cataract surgery.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

None of the aqueous samples were positive, suggesting shedding does not frequently occur in the aqueous humor of asymptomatic patients.