The survival of herpes simplex virus in preserved murine corneas.

Background/aims: This study investigates the survival of HSV in infected mouse corneas, in the conditions of normal human eye bank preservation.

Methods: Hundred seventy-two BALB/C mice infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) (KOS) were randomly assigned to either: no preservation in group 1 (n = 62), 31 degrees C preservation for 3 weeks in group 2 (n = 70) or 4 degrees C preservation for 8 days in group 3 (n = 40). The presence of HSV-1 was thereafter detected by viral culture and PCR.

Results: In groups 1, 2 and 3, HSV-1 was detected by culture in 22 (35.5%), 1 (1.4%) and 0 (0.0%) of the corneas, and by PCR in 27 (43.7%), 3 (4.2%) and 7 (17.5%) of the corneas respectively. When compared to group 1, HSV was detected significantly less often in groups 2 (p < 0.0001) and 3 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: HSV-1 DNA undergoes a degradation during corneal preservation.