Analysis of Epstein Barr Virus Genome in Serum and Ocular Samples of Patients with Inflammatory Eye Disease Using PCR Method

Background and Aims: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is very common in the population. Virus belongs to the family Herpesviridae, whose representatives are characterized by the ability to cause the human body latent persistent infections. The goal of this study was to assess EBV infection frequency using PCR method in samples from inflammatory eye disease, in comparison with EBV presence in Eye Infection and control group. Materials and Methods: Primers were designed for conserved regions of the EBV genome. We have used PCR for rapid, accurate detection of EBV DNA in blood and from eye swabs. We have chosen to study patients with eye inflammation or infection symptom. Results: EBV DNA was detectable in 5 of 130 control samples of serum (3.84%). EBV infection was seen in 1 out of 20 patients’ serum samples. Compared with the controls, the presence of EBV DNA was in samples of the patient group. Three out of 20 patients in patient group and 2 out of 130 of control group had detectable EBV DNA in their ocular swab. Conclusion: We have presented evidence for the presence of EBV sequences in normal and eye inflammation samples with PCR. The prevalence of EBV in ocular disease samples varied dramatically that this wide range may be due to variations and inconsistency in the techniques used for detection of the virus and its components and genetic susceptibility.