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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

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Mouse Model of Alloimmune-induced Vascular Rejection and Transplant Arteriosclerosis
Published on: May 17, 2015
Primary graft failure : a clinicopathologic and molecular analysis.
G C Cockerham1, K Bijwaard, Z M Sheng
1Ophthalmology Service, Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, Maryland, USA.
Ophthalmology
|October 31, 2000
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) DNA was detected in 33% of donor corneas causing primary graft failure (PGF). HSV1 may be imported with the donor tissue, leading to herpetic stromal keratitis and PGF.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Transplant Immunology
Background:
- Primary graft failure (PGF) is a significant complication in corneal transplantation.
- Identifying the causative agents of PGF is crucial for improving graft survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in corneal tissues from PGF cases.
- To determine the role of these viruses in the etiology of PGF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of donor and recipient corneal tissues from PGF cases and controls.
- Utilized histology, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and transmission electron microscopy.
- Tested for HSV and VZV DNA in corneal tissues.
Main Results:
- HSV type 1 (HSV1) DNA was detected in 33% of donor corneas associated with PGF.
- Necrotizing stromal keratitis (NSK) was observed in some PGF corneas, with HSV1 DNA present in all NSK cases.
- Viral particles consistent with HSV were identified via electron microscopy in NSK corneas.
- HSV2 and VZV were not detected in any of the analyzed corneal tissues.
Conclusions:
- HSV1 DNA is present in a significant proportion of donor corneas leading to PGF.
- Herpetic stromal keratitis, potentially originating from the donor cornea, is implicated in PGF.
- The prognosis for regrafting following PGF appears favorable.

