Herpesviridae prevalence in aqueous humor using PCR

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Herpesviridae family in aqueous humor and the prevalence of antibodies against Herpesviridae family in serum. METHODS: Participants undergoing cataract surgery were included in the study. Serum for viral serology including herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was collected. Aqueous humor specimen was tapped for PCR analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-two participants were included with a mean age of 67.67 years (SD ±12.51). The prevalence of positive serology tests was 83.3% for HSV, 94.0% for VZV, 98.8% for EBV, and 97.6% for CMV. A total of 66 aqueous humor specimens were negative for PCR of Herpesviridae family. CONCLUSION: This study showed previous HSV, VZV, EBV and CMV infections in >90% of the Thai population, while no viral presence was detected in aqueous humor. Thus, the serology test is unrelated to the presence of virus in the eye. We suggest that PCR is a valuable tool to diagnose intraocular viral infection and detect virus presenting active infection.