HSV-1 antigens and DNA in the corneal explant buttons of patients with non-herpetic or clinically atypical herpetic stromal keratitis

Abstract

Since the detection frequencies for HSV-1 antigens and DNA were comparable in the HSK and non-HSK groups, Herpes may play an underestimated and as yet undefined role in non-herpetic and clinically atypical herpetic stromal keratitis, either as a primary trigger of the disease or as a secondary contributor to it. In this category of individuals, early anti-herpetic therapy should be considered if patients do not respond in the expected manner to treatment for non-herpetic stromal keratitis.

Clinical application of real-time polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of herpetic diseases of the anterior segment of the eye

“…Also Garweg et al 18 reported that 16 of 72 corneal buttons obtained during keratoplasty in cases of nonherpetic keratitis had HSV DNA confi rmed by PCR. Moreover, Crouse et al 19 detected HSV DNA in 3.1% of normal corneal epithelium specimens obtained from cadavers, and Openshaw et al 20 found that ten of 24 normal donor corneas had HSV DNA when tested by PCR.…”

Mycotic keratitis: an overview of diagnosis and therapy

“…In congenital syphilis, it can occur between the age of 2 years and puberty. It may also occur in people with tuberculosis, leprosy or other diseases 15,16 …”

TLR9 and TLR7/8 activation induces formation of keratic precipitates and giant macrophages in the mouse cornea

“…This can lead to scarring and loss of transparency, which in the worst-case scenario, can only be remedied by corneal transplantation [4]. As HSV-1 antigen is less frequently isolated or detected in human corneal samples, as opposed to the more frequently detected HSV-1 DNA, it is likely that residual HSV-1 DNA may, on its own, act as an inflammatory stimulus in the absence of active infection [6][7][8]. As HSV-1 antigen is less frequently isolated or detected in human corneal samples, as opposed to the more frequently detected HSV-1 DNA, it is likely that residual HSV-1 DNA may, on its own, act as an inflammatory stimulus in the absence of active infection [6][7][8].…”

“…In some cases of postherpetic keratopathy, the presence of the granulomatous reaction has been posited to be a result of viral-induced alterations in Descemet's membrane [5]. As HSV-1 antigen is less frequently isolated or detected in human corneal samples, as opposed to the more frequently detected HSV-1 DNA, it is likely that residual HSV-1 DNA may, on its own, act as an inflammatory stimulus in the absence of active infection [6][7][8].…”