Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing VRL Diagnosis Using Cell-Free DNA Extraction from Vitreous Humor
Published on: January 12, 2024
Rubella virus-associated uveitis: The essentiality of aqueous humor virological analysis
Julien Provost1, Marc Labetoulle2, Elise Bouthry3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, 26930Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, France.
Aims / Background:
Rubella virus-associated uveitis (RVAU) classically presents with the clinical features of Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS). We report a series RVAU, and discuss the relevance of available diagnostic strategies, and how vaccination could potentially prevent disease.
Methods:
We retrospectively included patients with RV-positive aqueous humor (AH) with RT-PCR and/or intraocular RV-IgG production, between January 2014 and December 2019. RV-IgG titers from AH and serum were compared with other virus-specific IgG titers (VZV and/or CMV and/or HSV-1), to determine the derived Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC'). Clinical findings at presentation and during follow-up are reported, as well as the anti-RV vaccination status.
Results:
All 13 included patients demonstrated intraocular synthesis of RV-IgG (median GWC': 9.5; 3.2-100). RV-RNA was detected in one patient while PCR results were negative for other HSV1, VZV and CMV. The mean delay in diagnosis was 13 ± 12.6 years, with an initial presentation of FUS in only 3 patients (23%). Only four patients had been vaccinated, but all after the recommended age.
Conclusion:
As RVAU is a pleiomorphic entity, virological analysis (RV RT-PCR and GWC') of aqueous humor is essential to improve the diagnosis and management of this entity. Improper vaccination against RV appears to be implicated in RVAU.
