Clinical evidence for hepatitis B transmission resulting from corneal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
Two cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after penetrating keratoplasty are presented.


METHODS
An extensive clinical and serologic investigation of these two transplant recipients was performed. In addition, the medical histories, autopsy reports, and specimens of blood from the two deceased corneal tissue donors were retrieved and studied.


RESULTS
Serum from both donors was positive for hepatitis B surface antigen; the clinical history and serologic testing of both recipients strongly suggest that the HBV infection in each case was acquired from donor corneal tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, these are the first documented cases of HBV infection after corneal transplantation. Eye banks should continue to screen donors for HBV.
Hoft
R H
RH
Division of Ophthalmology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, USA.
Pflugfelder
S C
SC
Forster
R K
RK
Ullman
S
S
Polack
F M
FM
Schiff
E R
ER
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003315:Cornea / Q000821:virology*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005125:Eye Banks; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014019:Tissue Donors
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D007075:Immunoglobulin M