Aqueous and vitreous humor samples for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

PURPOSE/METHODS: Techniques for detection of viral DNA based on the polymerase chain reaction are increasingly being applied to ocular fluids; however, the clinical significance of such findings can sometimes be unclear. Two patients had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in whom different herpesviruses were detected in aqueous and vitreous fluids from the involved eye.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: In both patients dual viral infections were present and the application of polymerase chain reaction-based methods to ocular fluids made a useful contribution to the treatment of the patients.