[Viral uveitis].
Uveitis may be caused by several types of viruses including RNA and DNA viruses. The traditional diagnostic approach for the cultivation of viral infections or demonstrating an increase in the antibody titer to specific antigen requires understanding of growth conditions for specific antigenic determinants. These requirements, however, have limited our ability to recognize and identify viruses that cause uveitis. Recent molecular biology techniques such as PCR have improved our ability in the diagnosis of viral uveitis. In this review, DNA viruses and RNA viruses causing uveitis in man are discussed. The most frequently encountered viruses that cause uveitis belong to the Herpes virus group. Several types of Herpes viruses may lead to inflammation of the uvea involving the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. Other types of RNA viruses are less frequently involved. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of certain viral uveitis may prevent structural damage of the uvea and lead to rapid rehabilitation of vision.
Marc
L
L
Service d'Ophthalmologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Francia. marc.labetouelle@gv.cnrs-gif.fr
Eric
F
F
D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000821:virology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D012327:RNA Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000821:virology*