Table 3

HSV-1 antibodies and HSV-1 DNA in aqueous humour at the time of perforating keratoplasty

Diagnosis at PKP (n)PCR HSV-1 in corneal buttonPCR HSV-1 in aqueous humourIntraocular anti HSV antibody production
positive: negative: positive: negative:
HSK, primary graft (20) positive:  80 64 4
negative: 120121 11
Allograft failure with initial HSK diagnosis (11) positive:  20 20 2
negative:  90 74 2
Allograft failure with initial non-HSK diagnosis (17) positive:  80 62  2
negative:  90 81 4
Ulcers, non-specified (9) positive:  30 30 2
negative:  60 60 3
Other diagnosis, non-HSK (52) positive:  20 10 1
negative: 500 30 3
  • In a great number of cases, the amount of AH was insufficient to detect antibody production and perform PCR;

  • the ELISA did not discriminate between HSV-1 and HSV-2;

  • in 1 case the GWc for VZV was also positive.