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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue
Published on: July 9, 2014
[Histopathological findings in cytomegalovirus retinitis]
Mitsutoshi Kashiwase1, Yasuyuki Yamauchi, Tetsutaro Sata
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan.
Purpose:
We examined eyeballs collected from autopsied acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and analyzed the precise pathogenesis of CMV retinitis.
Material And Methods:
Eyeballs were fixed with 10% buffered formalin embedded in paraffin. CMV antigens were investigated by histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Histopathological findings were compared with funduscopic images.
Results:
CMV antigens remained in the necrotic area of the retina and many CMV immediate early antigens existed in intact parts of the inner retina showing almost intact structure, and around retinal vessels.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that CMV infects the inner retina first via the retinal vessels, although funduscopic examination may appear normal. It extends through the neuronal cells and glial cells horizontally and Muller cells vertically. CMV severely damages the retinal structure.
