Analysis of local antibody production in the vitreous humor of patients with severe uveitis

• Published in: American journal of ophthalmology Vol. 112; no. 2; p. 147
• Main Authors: Baarsma, G S, Luyendijk, L, Kijlstra, A, de Vries, J, Peperkamp, E, Mertens, D A, van Meurs, J C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15-08-1991
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies - analysis; Antibodies, Protozoan - analysis; Antibodies, Viral - analysis; Antibody Formation; Humans; Simplexvirus - immunology; Toxoplasma - immunology; Uveitis - immunology; Uveitis - surgery; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Body - immunology
• ISSN: 0002-9394
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9394(14)76693-0

We analyzed the local antibody production in vitreous humor samples collected during vitrectomy in patients with severe vision-threatening uveitis. In 24 patients, paired serum and undiluted vitreous humor samples were collected and tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Toxocara canis. Total IgG and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient were determined. The initial diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis could be confirmed in six of the seven patients. The seventh patient showed a local antibody production against herpes simplex virus. One of the three patients with chronic panuveitis at initial diagnosis showed a local antibody production against T. gondii. These last two findings resulted in a change in medical treatment. Analysis of local antibody production in vitreous humor samples is a valuable diagnostic tool.