Abstract:  Objective To investigate herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1) DNA expression in the corneal tissue lesions in different corneal diseases and its significance. Design Experimental study. Participants The corneal tissue after penetrating keratoplasty were collected between May 2010 to Dec. 2010 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, including 20 corneal specimens from viral keratitis and the other 20 specimens from keratoconus, bollous keratopathy, corneal destrophy and other noninfecive disease. Methods The HSV-1 DNA in the corneal specimens was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Main Outcome Measures Detection rate of HSV-1 DNA. Results 12 cases (60%) were detected HSV-1 DNA positive from 20 cases of herpetic simplex keratitis, while 6 cases (30%) were detected HSV-1 DNA positive from non-infectious corneal tissues (P=0.057). Conclusion HSV-1 DNA was expressed in corneal tissues of stationary phase HSK and normal subjects as well. Corneal latent virus may be the cause of herpes simplex keratitis. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2013, 22: 45-48)

Key words: herpes simplex keratitis, herpes simplex virus type-1, polymerase chain reaction