Polymerase chain reaction as a rapid diagnostic tool for therapy of acute retinal necrosis syndrome

Abstract

Herpesviruses are involved in the pathogenesis of acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN). A rapid and accurate diagnosis of herpetic infections is crucial for prompt administration of a specific antiviral therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay to detect herpesvirus DNA in the aqueous humor of clinical samples from ten patients with uveitis and clinical suspicion of ARN. Samples were assayed for herpes simplex virus type 1-2 (HSV 1-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Clinical suspicion of ARN was confirmed for four patients. Two patients (one with bilateral ARN) tested PCR-positive for VZV DNA and the other two were positive for HSV 1-2 DNA. CMV DNA was not detected in any of the samples, and no sample was positive for DNA from more than one virus. The remaining patients did not show any evidence of herpesvirus DNA in their aqueous samples. Our findings demonstrate that the use of PCR for detecting herpesvirus DNA in aqueous humor of uveitic subjects may be a valuable tool for early diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis syndrome and for timely administration of a suitable therapy.

Pattern of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa

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Pattern of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa

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Outcome of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in 100 suspected cases of infectious uveitis

“…PCR on aqueous humor sample allowed identification of the causative agent in ARN from 40% [16] to 86.4% [5] and these results were similar to our findings.…”

Atypical herpes simplex virus type 2 acute retinal necrosis presentation with large subretinal lesion

“…PCR HSV sensitivity reported between 80% and 96% in clinically defined ARN cases 5 , 14, 15, 16. Furthermore, because ARN presents with overlapping clinical features that may resemble other etiologies, a negative PCR result may lead to a prompt diagnosis of another entity 17 , 18 . Our patient underwent diagnostic vitrectomy which yielded two compelling positive HSV-2 PCR samples that was verified by two independent laboratories.…”

Pattern of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa

“……”

Outcome of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in 100 suspected cases of infectious uveitis

“…PCR on aqueous humor sample allowed identification of the causative agent in ARN from 40% [16] to 86.4% [5] and these results were similar to our findings.…”

Atypical herpes simplex virus type 2 acute retinal necrosis presentation with large subretinal lesion

“…PCR HSV sensitivity reported between 80% and 96% in clinically defined ARN cases 5 , 14, 15, 16. Furthermore, because ARN presents with overlapping clinical features that may resemble other etiologies, a negative PCR result may lead to a prompt diagnosis of another entity 17 , 18 . Our patient underwent diagnostic vitrectomy which yielded two compelling positive HSV-2 PCR samples that was verified by two independent laboratories.…”

Pattern of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa

“……”

Outcome of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in 100 suspected cases of infectious uveitis

“…PCR on aqueous humor sample allowed identification of the causative agent in ARN from 40% [16] to 86.4% [5] and these results were similar to our findings.…”

Atypical herpes simplex virus type 2 acute retinal necrosis presentation with large subretinal lesion

“…PCR HSV sensitivity reported between 80% and 96% in clinically defined ARN cases 5 , 14, 15, 16. Furthermore, because ARN presents with overlapping clinical features that may resemble other etiologies, a negative PCR result may lead to a prompt diagnosis of another entity 17 , 18 . Our patient underwent diagnostic vitrectomy which yielded two compelling positive HSV-2 PCR samples that was verified by two independent laboratories.…”