Absence of Herpesvirus DNA in Aqueous Humor from Asymptomatic Subjects

PURPOSE: To assess herpesvirus DNA detection in aqueous humor from a cohort of asymptomatic Scandinavian patients undergoing elective cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective case series. Aqueous samples were obtained from 30 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was performed. Toxoplasma was added to the analysis due to its role as pathogen with ocular latency. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 75.3 years. Sixteen subjects (53%) had ocular comorbidities. Five subjects (17%) had endothelial dysfunction without known hereditary pattern. None of the samples were positive for herpesviruses or toxoplasma. CONCLUSION: None of the aqueous samples were positive, suggesting shedding does not frequently occur in the aqueous humor of asymptomatic patients.