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The presence of herpesviruses in pterygium

D Spandidos1, G Xinarianos, M Ergazaki

  • 1UNIV CRETE,SCH MED,CLIN VIROL LAB,IRAKLION,GREECE. UNIV CRETE,SCH MED,DEPT OPHTHALMOL,IRAKLION,GREECE.

International Journal of Oncology
|May 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA were detected in surgically removed pterygium tissues. These findings suggest a potential role for HSV and CMV in the development of this vision-threatening eye condition.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pterygium is a chronic, vision-threatening eye disease with an unknown cause.
  • Surgical excision is a common treatment for symptomatic pterygium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of herpesviruses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in surgically excised pterygium tissues.
  • To explore the potential role of these viruses in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Main Methods:

  • Surgically excised pterygium samples were analyzed for viral DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.
  • Normal conjunctival tissue samples were used as controls.

Main Results:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA was detected in 9 out of 20 samples.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA was detected in 8 out of 20 samples.
  • Both HSV and CMV DNA were found in 3 samples; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was not detected.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of HSV and CMV DNA suggests these viruses may play a role in the development of pterygium.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which HSV and CMV contribute to pterygium pathogenesis.

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