Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
10:02

Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs

Published on: July 23, 2016

High-dose intravitreal ganciclovir and foscarnet for cytomegalovirus retinitis

G Velez1, C E Roy, S M Whitcup

  • 1Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. bruise-velez@erols.com

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

High-dose intravitreal ganciclovir combined with foscarnet effectively treated cytomegalovirus retinitis in an HIV-positive patient. This combination therapy was well-tolerated and maintained excellent vision over one year.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a serious complication in individuals with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Standard treatment regimens may not always achieve complete viral suppression or prevent vision loss.

Observation:

  • A case study of a 31-year-old male with HIV and active CMV retinitis.
  • Treatment involved escalating doses of intravitreal ganciclovir (up to 3.0 mg twice weekly) and foscarnet (up to 2.4 mg twice weekly) over approximately one year.

Findings:

  • Complete regression of CMV retinitis was achieved with the high-dose combination therapy.
  • Visual acuity in the affected eye was preserved at 20/20 throughout the treatment period.
  • No evidence of ganciclovir-induced retinal toxicity was observed.

Implications:

  • High-dose intravitreal ganciclovir and foscarnet represent a potentially effective and well-tolerated treatment option for refractory or severe CMV retinitis.
  • This therapeutic approach may be necessary for successful control of CMV retinitis in select HIV-positive patients.
  • Preservation of visual acuity highlights the importance of aggressive local therapy in managing ocular infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Encapsulated Cell Technology for the Delivery of Biologics to the Mouse Eye06:10

Encapsulated Cell Technology for the Delivery of Biologics to the Mouse Eye

Published on: March 30, 2020

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects06:19

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Published on: May 31, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...