Detection of HIV-RNA in aqueous humor and subretinal fluid in an HIV carrier with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
BACKGROUND
Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related ocular complexes are commonly observed in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, it has not been previously reported that HIV had already invaded the ocular tissues of HIV carriers.


METHODS
A 56-year-old woman was diagnosed as having rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a retinal tear in the 6-o'clock position in her right eye. No signs of ocular manifestations except the retinal detachment were observed. A blood examination revealed that she was already infected with HIV-1, and she was categorized as an HIV carrier.


METHODS
Aqueous humor and subretinal fluid samples were obtained at the time of surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting at three regions of the HIV, LTR, gag, and env, confirmed the HIV infection in both aqueous humor and subretinal fluid. During the approximately 2-year follow-up after surgery, the patient did not show any signs of retinitis, uveitis, or other ocular manifestations.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report to reveal that HIV can invade the eye in the early stage of HIV infection. This infection may be related to HIV-related ocular complexes, which suppress the local immunological response.
Kashiwagi
K
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Yamanashi Medical University, Tamaho, Yamanashi, Japan.
Gohdo
T
T
Sato
S
S
Iijima
H
H
Tsukahara
S
S
D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000821:virology*; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012591:Scleral Buckling
D012367:RNA, Viral