The Usefulness of Aqueous Fluid Analysis for Epstein–Barr Virus in Patients with Uveitis

Abstract

<i>Purpose</i>: To determine characteristics of patients with laboratory findings indicative of intraocular Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) infection and to establish the usefulness of the laboratory analysis in patients with uveitis.<i>Methods</i>: Retrospective study of patients who underwent diagnostic aqueous fluid analysis. Diverse demographic data of patients were registered.<i>Results</i>: EBV-PCR tested positive in 3/201 (1%) and EBV-GWC in 22/245 (9%). The prevalence of immunosuppression was similar in EBV positive (by PCR/GWC) and EBV negative patients (7/25; 28% vs. 50/272;18%, <i>P</i> = 0.29). Out of all 22 EBV-GWC positive patients, GWC was between 3 and 10 in 91%. In total, 14 patients had laboratory results indicating only EBV infection. Patients without an alternative explanation for uveitis (6/14; 43%) had a chronic recurrent course and good visual prognosis.<i>Conclusion</i>: Low EBV-GWC values combined with multiple positive GWC and/or PCR for other infectious agents. Intraocular assessment for EBV in the initial examination of uveitis patients has limited value.