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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Excimer laser photokeratectomy reactivates latent herpes simplex virus
Tatsunori Deai1, Masahiko Fukuda, Yumiko Tomoda
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan. deai@ganka.med.kindai.ac.jp
Background:
It has been reported that excimer laser irradiation might elicit herpes simplex virus (HSV) genome activation. We describe a clinical case in which HSV DNA sequences were detected quantitatively after phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).
Case:
A 90-year-old woman underwent excimer laser photokeratectomy for bilateral band-shaped keratopathy. Tear film was collected from both eyes using a Schirmer's strip before and 3 and 7 days after phototherapeutic keratectomy.
Observations:
HSV-DNA was quantified by a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. HSV-DNA was detected only on the third day postoperatively in both eyes. The amount of viral DNA was 2.0 x 10(5) (OD) and 1.3 x 10(5) (OS) copies/sample, respectively.
Conclusions:
Excimer laser photokeratectomy stimulated viral shedding in the tear film. Ophthalmologists should be aware that laser irradiation can reactivate latent HSV.
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