PCR for varicella zoster virus genome negative in corneal epithelial cells of patients with Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis

Abstract

Purpose To find out if varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of Thygeson's superficial punctuate keratitis. Methods Epithelial cells were harvested from the punctuate epithelial lesions 9 patients with Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis. After DNA extraction polymerase chain reaction was carried out with varicella zoster virus primers. Results All samples were negative with regard to varicella zoster virus genome. Conclusions This result suggests that varicella zoster virus is most probably not the causative agent of Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis.

Using pre-existing social networks to determine the burden of disease and real-life needs in rare diseases: the example of Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis

“…A viral infection or a virus-induced immune reaction have been implicated [ 1 ], based on some clinical similarities with viral keratoconjunctivitis, electron microscopy features of epithelial cells [ 5 ], and the favorable response of some patients to trifluridine eyedrops [ 6 ]. However, previous studies failed to find genetic materials of common ocular viral pathogens such as varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), or adenovirus in samples of affected patients [ 4 , 7 ]. Alternately, TSPK has been associated with specific immunophenotypic backgrounds such as human leukocyte antigen-DR3 (HLA-DR3), a class-II MHC molecule associated with multiple autoimmune disorders such as diabetes mellitus, gluten enteropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, Addison's and Sjögren’s syndromes [ 5 ].…”

Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK): a paediatric case report and review of the literature

“…However, the same conclusion has not been subsequently reached. In 2003, Reinhard harvested epithelia cells from 9 patients with TSPK and failed to amplify DNA of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) genome [ 22 ]. In 2007, Connell reconfirmed that viruses (HSV 1, HSV 2, VSV and adenovirus) were not responsible for TSPK [ 13 ].…”

“… 20 IDU and Antibiotics No effect on the course of TSPK. 1984 Nesburn(America) [ 10 ] 4 Trifluridine therapy Symptoms and later the signs of the disease disappeared 1999 Reinhard(Germany) [ 23 ] 17 Cyclosporin A 2% 71.5% of cases,complete suppression 2002 Reinhard(Germany) [ 22 ] 28 Cyclosporin A 2% 90.5%case improvement 2001 Fite(America) [ 12 ] 1 PRK Corneal lesions recurrence outside the laser ablation zone 2002 Goldstein(America) [ 8 ] 1 PRK No recurrences 2004 Nagra(America) [ 5 ] 40 35 Steroids Symptomatic relief 2 Artificial tears N/A 1 Soft contact lenses. N/A 2004 Netto(Brazil) [ 26 ] 1 OD PRK No recurrences OS LASIK <...>…”

Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis- Case Report and Review

“…[3] Varicella Zoster virus genome could not be detected by PCR in any of the patients, and although in one case the virus detected from the corneal lesions. [4] There was an association of histocompatible lymphocyte antigen (HLA) DR 3 as revealed by the previous studies. [5] Despite the prolonged and protracted course of the disease, visual prognosis was excellent even after ten years of follow up.…”