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Demonstration of cytomegalovirus retinitis by in situ DNA hybridization
D E Henderly1, L R Atalla, W R Freeman
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Abstract:
Five cases of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), each exhibiting retinitis, were studied by DNA hybridization technique to detect viral infection. Five involved eyes were obtained at the time of autopsy from three patients who had received no treatment for the retinitis. Retinal biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of surgery from two other patients who developed retinal detachments after being treated with ganciclovir (dihydroxy propoxymethyl guanine). DNA hybridization revealed cytomegalovirus in retina and retinal pigment epithelium in all five specimens from patients who had not been treated with ganciclovir. No hybridization occurred in the two retinal biopsy specimens obtained from the ganciclovir-treated patients. These results suggest that in situ DNA hybridization is a highly specific and easily interpretable means of establishing the tissue diagnosis of viral retinitis.
Insights
DNA hybridization accurately diagnosed cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients. This method detected the virus in untreated patients but not in those treated with ganciclovir, suggesting its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients often develop opportunistic infections, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.
- Diagnosing viral retinitis in AIDS patients can be challenging, impacting treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of in situ DNA hybridization for detecting cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the retinas of patients with AIDS-related retinitis.
- To compare viral detection in patients with and without ganciclovir treatment.
Main Methods:
- DNA hybridization technique was employed on retinal tissue specimens.
- Specimens were obtained from five AIDS patients with retinitis: three post-mortem (untreated) and two during surgery (ganciclovir-treated).
Main Results:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA was detected in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium of all five untreated patients.
- No CMV DNA hybridization signal was observed in the two retinal biopsy specimens from ganciclovir-treated patients.
Conclusions:
- In situ DNA hybridization is a highly specific and interpretable method for diagnosing viral retinitis.
- The findings suggest ganciclovir may effectively suppress or eliminate CMV in the retina.