AIM: To study value of RT–PCR in diagnosis of doubtful viral keratitis

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective, Interventional study

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Clinical features, indications for RT–PCR and management outcomes of patients with RT–PCR positive for virus were studied.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Microsoft Excel version 2013

RESULTS: Of 322 patients of viral keratitis,94 (29.19%) needed RT–PCR for diagnosis due to clinical dilemma and/or non–response to therapy, and it was positive in 25(26.5%) patients (4 non–dendritic epithelial keratitis,2 stromal,14 both, and 5 epithelial, stromal and endothelial keratitis). Giemsa stain was negative for virus in all corneal scrapings. Herpes Simplex Virus–1 (HSV–1) was isolated in 22, HSV–2 in 1 and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in 2. 16 were managed medically and 9 surgically. Infection resolved in all medically treated patients and there was no recurrence in surgical grafts.

CONCLUSION: In viral keratitis, where clinical diagnosis is doubtful and response to therapy is delayed, RT–PCR can be a valuable tool for diagnosis.