Related Experiment Videos
Lack of virus transmission by the excimer laser plume
K B Hagen1, J D Kettering, R M Aprecio
1Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California, USA.
Purpose:
To test the possibility of pathogenic virus transmission into the operating suite during excimer laser treatment of corneal tissue. Such treatment vaporizes corneal tissue, which may put the surgeon at risk of infection from human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis virus, or other viruses. We developed a model system to test the possibility of such virus transmission.
Methods:
Pseudorabies virus is a porcine enveloped herpesvirus similar in structure and life cycle to human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus. An excimer laser was used to ablate a virus-infected tissue culture plate while an uninfected tissue culture plate was in an inverted position over the infected plate. Six hundred laser pulses were applied. Pseudorabies virus in the excimer laser plume would, potentially, contact and infect the uninfected cells. The experiment was repeated 20 times with appropriate positive and negative controls.
Results:
None of the 20 uninfected plates was infected by the laser plume rising from ablation of infected tissue culture plates. Positive and negative controls performed as expected.
Conclusions:
Even under conditions designed to maximize the likelihood of virus transmission, the excimer laser ablation plume does not appear capable of transmitting this particular live enveloped virus. Excimer laser ablation of the cornea of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected or herpesvirus-infected patient is unlikely to pose a health hazard to the surgeon.
Insights
Excimer laser ablation of corneal tissue does not transmit enveloped viruses. This study found no evidence of virus transmission in the laser plume, suggesting low risk to surgeons operating on patients with viral infections like HIV.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Excimer laser corneal ablation vaporizes tissue, raising concerns about pathogenic virus transmission to surgeons.
- Potential risks include infections from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risk of pathogenic virus transmission into the operating suite during excimer laser corneal treatment.
- To determine if the excimer laser plume can carry and transmit live enveloped viruses.
Main Methods:
- A model system using pseudorabies virus (a porcine herpesvirus) was developed to simulate virus transmission.
- Virus-infected tissue cultures were ablated with an excimer laser, with uninfected cultures positioned above to capture potential plume transmission.
- The experiment was repeated 20 times with controls to maximize detection of virus transmission.
Main Results:
- No infection was observed in any of the 20 uninfected tissue culture plates exposed to the laser plume.
- Positive and negative controls functioned as expected, validating the experimental setup.
Conclusions:
- Excimer laser ablation plume does not appear to transmit live enveloped viruses, even under conditions favoring transmission.
- Surgical procedures like excimer laser ablation of the cornea in patients with HIV or other herpesvirus infections are unlikely to pose a significant health hazard to surgeons.