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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
The survival of herpes simplex virus in preserved murine corneas
Pierre-Yves Robert1, Virginie Ducher, Uwe Pleyer
1Department of Ophthalmology, EA 3175, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France. pierre-yves.robert@unilim.fr
Background/Aims:
This study investigates the survival of HSV in infected mouse corneas, in the conditions of normal human eye bank preservation.
Methods:
Hundred seventy-two BALB/C mice infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) (KOS) were randomly assigned to either: no preservation in group 1 (n = 62), 31 degrees C preservation for 3 weeks in group 2 (n = 70) or 4 degrees C preservation for 8 days in group 3 (n = 40). The presence of HSV-1 was thereafter detected by viral culture and PCR.
Results:
In groups 1, 2 and 3, HSV-1 was detected by culture in 22 (35.5%), 1 (1.4%) and 0 (0.0%) of the corneas, and by PCR in 27 (43.7%), 3 (4.2%) and 7 (17.5%) of the corneas respectively. When compared to group 1, HSV was detected significantly less often in groups 2 (p < 0.0001) and 3 (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
HSV-1 DNA undergoes a degradation during corneal preservation.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) survival in mouse corneas significantly decreases with standard eye bank preservation methods. HSV-1 DNA degrades during corneal preservation, reducing viral detection rates.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can persist in infected corneas.
- Understanding HSV-1 survival under preservation conditions is crucial for eye banking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of HSV-1 in infected mouse corneas under simulated human eye bank preservation conditions.
- To assess the impact of different preservation temperatures and durations on HSV-1 viability.
Main Methods:
- 172 BALB/C mice infected with HSV-1 were divided into three groups: no preservation, 31°C for 3 weeks, and 4°C for 8 days.
- HSV-1 presence was detected using viral culture and PCR.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 was detected by culture in 35.5% (group 1), 1.4% (group 2), and 0% (group 3) of corneas.
- PCR detected HSV-1 in 43.7% (group 1), 4.2% (group 2), and 17.5% (group 3) of corneas.
- HSV detection rates were significantly lower in preservation groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Corneal preservation significantly reduces HSV-1 viability.
- HSV-1 DNA degrades during the preservation process.
- Standard eye bank preservation conditions are effective in limiting HSV-1 survival.
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