[Herpesviruses serologic survey of corneal allograft recipients].
OBJECTIVE
Herpesviruses are ubiquitous viruses, providing circulating antibodies in a wide range of patients. Donor-to-host transmission of Herpes simplex virus via corneal graft has been proven, leading to primary graft failure. However, the serological survey of the corneal recipient for Herpesviruses has not yet been investigated.


METHODS
Circulating antibodies to HSV, VZV, CMV, and EBV were tested in 117 corneal recipients prior to surgery as well as 8 days and 3 months following surgery. Twenty-two patients had a history of corneal herpes. All patients were treated with local steroids, and no patient received systemic immunosuppressive therapy.


RESULTS
No seroconversion was encountered, in particular, no CMV--patient was found CMV+ after grafting. The mean concentration of antibodies significantly decreased after grafting in a few patients. A serological profile of EBV reactivation was detected after surgery in four patients at day 8 and three more patients at 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows no significant seroconversion after grafting. However, it shows a postoperative decrease in antibody levels as well as a serological profile of EBV reactivation, possibly related to local steroids or graft immune processes.
Robert
P-Y
PY
Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHU Dupuytren, 2, avenue Martin Luther King, 87042 Limoges. pierre-yves.robert@unilim.fr
Adenis
J-P
JP
Denis
F
F
Drouet
M
M
Ranger-Rogez
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral