Related Experiment Videos
Primary varicella-zoster keratitis: diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Purpose:
To report the value of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of a worsening corneal ulcer.
Methods:
A 6-year-old boy underwent an emergent penetrating keratoplasty for a corneal ulcer that continued to worsen despite intensive antibiotic therapy.
Results:
Examination of the corneal specimen by polymerase chain reaction was positive for varicella-zoster virus but negative for herpes simplex. Based on polymerase chain reaction studies, we diagnosed primary varicella-zoster keratitis with corneal perforation. Electron microscopy showed herpetic virus particles in the cornea.
Conclusions:
Polymerase chain reaction analysis of corneal buttons at the time of penetrating keratoplasty may benefit patients with undiagnosed recalcitrant corneal ulcers.