Identification of a herpes simplex virus-induced dendrite in an eye-bank donor cornea

Purpose. To demonstrate the presence of an active herpetic dendrite in an e ye-bank cornea. Methods. Case report: One eye-bank cornea was studied. Vira l cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were performed 4 day s after tissue preservation. The presence or absence of herpes simplex viru s (HSV) type 1 was investigated. Results, The presence of an active HSV den drite in an eye-bank cornea was verified. HSV type 1 was confirmed using PC R amplification and restriction endonuclease DNA fragment analysis. Conclus ion. This case suggests that HSV may remain viable in stored corneal tissue at 4 degrees C.