Detection of herpes simplex virus in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma.
OBJECTIVE
The pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) remains unknown. An infection, possibly viral, is one of the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms. This study examines the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in iris and anterior capsule specimens of PEX and non-PEX patients.


METHODS
Iris and anterior capsule specimens were obtained from 64 patients with PEX (study group, SG) and 61 patients without PEX (control group, CG). The presence of HSV and VZV DNA was evaluated with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Herpes simplex virus type I was detected significantly more often in iris specimens from the SG (13.79%), compared to those from the CG (1.75%). Varicella-zoster virus DNA was not detected in any of the examined specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Results imply a possible relationship between HSV type I and PEX, although no aetiological role of HSV infection in PEX pathogenesis can be established. Results also advocate against any association between VZV and PEX.
Detorakis
E T
ET
Department of Opthalmology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Kozobolis
V P
VP
Pallikaris
I G
IG
Spandidos
D A
DA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000821:virology*; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014130:Trabeculectomy
D004279:DNA, Viral