Detecting herpes simplex virus in aqueous humor of patients suffering from corneal endotheliitis by polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescent technique

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the significance of polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescent technique on etiologic diagnosis of endotheliitis.Methods Herpes simplex virus in aqueous aspirate of the study group with corneal endotheliitis and the control groups with senile cataract were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) technique. Results In the study group,11 cases suffering from corneal endotheliitis had positive reactions in aqueous humor detected by PCR,the positive ratio was 68.75%. While in the control group, no case suffering from senile cataract had positive reaction detected by PCR. There was a significant difference between two groups. In the study group, 4 cases suffering from corneal endotheliitis had positive reactions in aqueous humor detected by IIF technique,the positive ratio was 30.77%. While in the control group, no case suffering from senile cataract had positive reaction detected by IIF technique. There was a significant difference between the study group and the control group statistically (P<0.05). It the study groups, there was a significant difference between PCR and IIF detecting technique statistically (P<0.05). Conclusions PCR and IIF technique are rapid and simple etiologic diagnosis for patients suffering from endotheliitis caused by herpes simplex virus and is helpful for clinical treatment. PCR is better than IIF technique. Key words: Corneal endotheliitis; Polymerase chain reaction; Indirect immunofluorescent technique