High prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 in acute retinal necrosis syndrome associated with herpes simplex virus in Japan.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine the type of herpes simplex virus in acute retinal necrosis syndrome associated with herpes simplex virus.

METHODS:

Herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus were examined by polymerase chain reaction in intraocular specimens from 16 patients with acute retinal necrosis syndrome. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 and anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 type-specific antibodies in serum from the patients were detected by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS:

Of 16 patients with acute retinal necrosis syndrome, seven were polymerase chain reaction positive for herpes simplex virus type 2 and nine were positive for varicella-zoster virus. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody was positive and anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 antibody was negative in the sera of the seven patients with herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA-positive acute retinal necrosis syndrome. In contrast, anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody was absent in all nine varicella-zoster virus DNA-positive acute retinal necrosis syndrome patients.

CONCLUSION:

Herpes simplex virus type 2 has been demonstrated to be the major causative agent in acute retinal necrosis syndrome associated with herpes simplex virus by molecular biological and serological methods. Negative preexisting anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 antibody may play an important role in acute retinal necrosis syndrome associated with herpes simplex virus type 2.

• Authors: N Itoh, N Matsumura, A Ogi, T Nishide, Y Imai, H Kanai, S Ohno
• Journal: American journal of ophthalmology (Am J Ophthalmol) Vol. 129 Issue 3 Pg. 404-5 (Mar 2000) ISSN: 0002-9394 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10704570 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• DNA, Viral

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Viral (analysis)
• Aqueous Humor (virology)
• Cytomegalovirus (genetics, immunology, isolation & purification)
• DNA, Viral (analysis)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Eye Infections, Viral (epidemiology, virology)
• Female
• Herpes Genitalis (epidemiology, virology)
• Herpesvirus 1, Human (genetics, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Herpesvirus 2, Human (genetics, isolation & purification)
• Herpesvirus 3, Human (genetics, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Japan (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Prevalence
• Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute (epidemiology, virology)
• Vitreous Body (virology)