PURPOSE: To describe a case of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) in a 13-year-old immunocompetent girl. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cultures, flow cytometry, and cytology were performed on the vitreous sample. RESULTS: Both PCR studies and vitreous cultures revealed HSV-2 as the cause of ARN. Flow cytometry showed CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells. The visual outcome of the patient was 20/200. CONCLUSION: Successful culture of HSV-2 from the vitreous specimen in a patient with ARN proved HSV-2 to be one of the causes of ARN. The successful culture of HSV-2 has not been previously reported.
PURPOSE: To describe a case of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) in a 13-year-old immunocompetent girl. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cultures, flow cytometry, and cytology were performed on the vitreous sample. RESULTS: Both PCR studies and vitreous cultures revealed HSV-2 as the cause of ARN. Flow cytometry showed CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells. The visual outcome of the patient was 20/200. CONCLUSION: Successful culture of HSV-2 from the vitreous specimen in a patient with ARN proved HSV-2 to be one of the causes of ARN. The successful culture of HSV-2 has not been previously reported.