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Published on: November 22, 2011
Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Genotype in Patients with Anterior Segment Infection
Chu-Yen Huang1, Yu-Chun Cheng1, Yih-Shiou Hwang1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
Abstract:
(1) The glycoprotein B (gB) on the viral envelope, encoded by the most widely characterised polymorphic gene, gpUL55, is responsible for cytomegalovirus (CMV) entry into the host and could serve as a potential marker of pathogenicity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the distribution of the CMV gB genotype in anterior segment infection in Taiwan and its correlation with clinical manifestations and outcomes. (2) Fifty-seven patients with CMV anterior segment infection were identified according to clinical features and positivity for CMV DNA in aqueous humour samples. CMV gB genotyping was performed through polymerase chain reaction assays. Patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. (3) Among the 57 aqueous humour samples tested for gB, 40 (70.28%) had multiple gB genotypes, and only 17 (29.82%) had a single gB genotype. Compared with single-genotype infection, multiple-genotype infection was correlated with higher CMV loads (p < 0.001) but not correlated with outcome. A higher proportion of patients with the gB3 genotype had received filtering surgery before antiviral treatment than those without the gB3 genotype (p = 0.046). (4) Multiple-genotype infection was highly prevalent in CMV anterior segment infection in Taiwan, and gB1 and gB3 were predominant. Multiple-genotype infection was correlated with higher CMV loads but not with specific clinical manifestations or prognostic outcomes. The gB3 genotype may be correlated with poor intraocular pressure control.
Insights
Multiple cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes were common in Taiwanese anterior segment infections, correlating with higher viral loads but not outcomes. The gB3 genotype may indicate poorer intraocular pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is crucial for viral entry and can indicate pathogenicity.
- Understanding CMV gB genotype distribution is important for managing anterior segment infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of CMV gB genotypes in Taiwanese patients with anterior segment infection.
- To correlate gB genotype with clinical manifestations and outcomes of CMV anterior segment infection.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven patients with CMV anterior segment infection were identified.
- CMV gB genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction on aqueous humor samples.
- Clinical data and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.
Main Results:
- Multiple gB genotypes were found in 70.28% of infections, with single genotypes in 29.82%.
- Multiple-genotype infections correlated with higher CMV loads (p < 0.001) but not outcomes.
- The gB3 genotype was associated with a higher rate of prior filtering surgery (p = 0.046).
Conclusions:
- Multiple-genotype CMV infections are prevalent in Taiwan and linked to increased viral loads.
- CMV gB genotype distribution does not appear to correlate with specific clinical manifestations or prognostic outcomes.
- The gB3 genotype may be associated with challenges in managing intraocular pressure.

