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

Abstract

We determined whether laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis acts as a trigger for the reactivation and ocular shedding of herpes simplex virus type-1 in a rabbit latency model. Herpes simplex virus type-1 latently infected rabbits were divided into three treatment groups: Group I received surface excimer laser ablation in both eyes (positive control), Group II received laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in both eyes, and Group III received no treatment (negative control). Eyes were cultured daily for 10 days to determine herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation. The number of herpes simplex virus type-1 positive eye cultures and total herpes simplex virus type-1 shedding days were significantly greater after surface excimer laser ablation and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis compared with the untreated control group (P < 0.002 and P < 0.000001, respectively). Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as well as surface excimer laser ablation act as a trigger for the reactivation of herpes simplex virus type-1 in the rabbit latency model.