Epstein-barr infection of the retina: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to describe a presumed case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of the retina in a 65-year-old female with sudden bilateral vision loss.


METHODS
Diagnostic vitreous biopsy of the left eye was performed to test for EBV and other known infectious causes of retinitis and evaluate vitreous cells.


RESULTS
Serologic EBV testing was positive. Vitreous polymerase chain reaction viral DNA testing was positive for EBV, but negative for herpes-simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasma gondii. Histopathologic analysis of vitreous cells revealed atypical lymphocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
Epstein-Barr virus may be a cause of retinal disease. Awareness of this severe ocular complication may enable prompt diagnosis and treatment of future cases, and promote greater investigation into its disease prevalence.
From the *Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, Tennessee; and †Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephen J
SJ
Kim
David E
DE
Barañano
Hans E
HE
Grossniklaus
Daniel F
DF
Martin