Experimental laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis induces the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus

PURPOSE: We determined whether laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis acts a s a trigger for the reactivation and ocular shedding of herpes simplex viru s type-1 in a rabbit latency model. METHODS: Herpes simplex virus type-1 latently infected rabbits were divided into three treatment groups: Group I received surface excimer Laser ablati on in both eyes (positive control), Group II received laser-assisted in sit u keratomileusis in both eyes, and Group III received no treatment (negativ e control). Eyes were cultured daily for 10 days to determine herpes simple x virus type-1 reactivation. RESULTS: The number of herpes simplex virus type-1 positive eye cultures an d total herpes simplex virus type-1 shedding days were significantly greate r after surface excimer laser ablation and laser-assisted in situ keratomil eusis compared with the untreated control group (P < 0.002 and P < 0.000001 , respectively). CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as well as surface excime r laser ablation act as a trigger for the reactivation of herpes simplex vi rus type-1 in the rabbit latency model. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001;131: 506-507. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved).