Herpetic stromal keratitis-evidence for cell-mediated immunopathogenesis.

Immunofluorescence, histological, and electron microscopic observations were made on rabbit corneas from animals with experimentally induced stromal keratitis following intracorneal injection with the RE strain of herpes simplex virus. Electron microscopic observations were also made on human corneas obtained from patients with a history of herpetic stromal disease. Viral antigens were demonstrated by immunofluorescence in keratocytes of rabbit corneas with herpetic stromal keratitis. Electron microscopic observations and viral culture failed to reveal the presence of viral particles in these tissues. Lymphocytes, a major infiltrating cell type found in both the rabbit and human corneas, were often found in intimate contact with degenerating keratocytes.