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Updated: Oct 8, 2026
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Experimental laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis induces the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus
D K Dhaliwal1, E G Romanowski, K A Yates
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. dhaliwaldk@msx.upmc.edu
Purpose:
We determined whether laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis acts as a trigger for the reactivation and ocular shedding of herpes simplex virus type-1 in a rabbit latency model.
Methods:
Herpes simplex virus type-1 latently infected rabbits were divided into three treatment groups: Group I received surface excimer laser ablation in both eyes (positive control), Group II received laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in both eyes, and Group III received no treatment (negative control). Eyes were cultured daily for 10 days to determine herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation.
Results:
The number of herpes simplex virus type-1 positive eye cultures and total herpes simplex virus type-1 shedding days were significantly greater after surface excimer laser ablation and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis compared with the untreated control group (P < 0.002 and P < 0.000001, respectively).
Conclusion:
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as well as surface excimer laser ablation act as a trigger for the reactivation of herpes simplex virus type-1 in the rabbit latency model.
